Word Origin & History
licence
1362, "liberty (to do something), leave," from O.Fr. licence, from L. licentia "freedom, liberty, license," from licentem (nom. licens). prp. of licere "to be allowed, be lawful," from PIE base *leik- "to offer, bargain." Meaning "formal (usually written) permission from authority to do something" (marry, hunt, drive, etc.) is first attested 1433. Meaning "excessive liberty, disregard of propriety" is from c.1450. The verb is first attested 1398. Licence is preferred for the noun, license for the verb, on model of advice/advise, etc.