(ecclesiastical law, now chiefly historical) An exemption from certain laws granted by the Pope. [from 8th c.]
(countable) A particular benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity enjoyed by some but not others; a prerogative, preferential treatment. [from 10th c.]
All first-year professors here must teach four courses a term, yet you're only teaching one! What entitled you to such a privilege?
An especially rare or fortunate opportunity; the good fortune (to do something). [from 14th c.]
2012, The Observer, letter, 29 April:
I had the privilege to sit near him in the House for a small part of his Commons service and there was an additional device provided to aid his participation in debates.
(uncountable) The fact of being privileged; the status or existence of (now especially social or economic) benefit or advantage within a given society. [from 14th c.]
In that community where no one was on the make, where there was a shortage of everything but no privilege and no boot-licking, one got, perhaps, a crude forecast of what the opening stages of Socialism might be like.
2013, The Guardian, 21 Oct, (headline):
South Africa's 'miracle transition' has not put an end to white privilege.
A right or immunity enjoyed by a legislative body or its members. [from 16th c.]
The terms below need to be checked and allocated to the definitions (senses) of the headword above. Each term should appear in the sense for which it is appropriate. Use the templates {{syn|en|...}} or {{ant|en|...}} to add them to the appropriate sense(s).
