What does "conge" mean?

Conge: The act of taking leave; parting ceremony; farewell; also, dismissal. Should she pay off old Briggs and give her her congé Thackeray.

Additional senses

  1. 2.The customary act of civility on any occasion; a bow or a courtesy. The captain salutes you with congé profound. Swift.
  2. 3.(Arch.) An apophyge. Gwilt. Congé d'élire [F., leave to choose] (Eccl.), the sovereign's license or permission to a dean and chapter to choose as bishop the person nominated in the missive.

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