GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Absent , a. [F., fr. absens, absentis, p. pr. of abesse to be away from; ab + esse to be. Cf. Sooth.]
   Being away from a place; withdrawn from a place; not present. “Expecting absent friends.” 
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Not existing; lacking; as, the part was rudimental or absent.
   1913 Webster
   Inattentive to what is passing; absent-minded; preoccupied; as, an absent air.
   1913 Webster
   What is commonly called an absent man is commonly either a very weak or a very affected man.
   Chesterfield.
   
   1913 Webster
   Syn. -- Absent, Abstracted.  These words both imply a lack of attention to surrounding objects. We speak of a man as absent when his thoughts wander unconsciously from present scenes or topics of discourse; we speak of him as abstracted when his mind (usually for a brief period) is drawn off from present things by some weighty matter for reflection. Absence of mind is usually the result of loose habits of thought; abstraction commonly arises either from engrossing interests and cares, or from unfortunate habits of association.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Absent , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Absented; p. pr. & vb. n. Absenting.] [Cf. F. absenter.]
   To take or withdraw (one's self) to such a distance as to prevent intercourse; -- used with the reflexive pronoun.
   1913 Webster
   If after due summons any member absents himself, he is to be fined.
   Addison.
   
   1913 Webster
   To withhold from being present. [Obs.] “Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more.” 
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster