congé

[F., leave, permission, fr. L. commeatus a going back and forth, a leave of absence, furlough, fr. commeare, -meatum, to go and come; com- + meare to go. Cf. Permeate.]
[Formerly written congie.]

1. The act of taking leave; parting ceremony; farewell; also, dismissal.

Should she pay off old Briggs and give her her congé?

2. The customary act of civility on any occasion; a bow or a courtesy.

The captain salutes you with congé profound.

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.