Definition

1. Noun:

   • An abrupt and unceremonious dismissal: A sudden, often rude, termination of a relationship, employment, or association.
   • Formal permission to depart: A formal, often ceremonious, leave-taking or farewell.
   • (Architecture) A concave molding: A molding with a concave profile, often used as a transition between surfaces.

2. Verb:

   • To perform a ceremonious bow: To bow formally, especially as a gesture of respect or farewell.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Dismissal):
  • After the argument, he received his conge from the company without any notice.
• Noun (Permission to depart):
  • The ambassador took his conge from the king before returning to his homeland.
• Noun (Architecture):
  • The elegant conge at the base of the column softened the transition to the floor.
• Verb:
  • The actors conged deeply at the end of their performance.

Advanced Usage

• "To give one's conge": To dismiss someone abruptly or to formally take one's leave.
  • The nobleman gave his conge to the tiresome guest.
• "To take one's conge": To make a formal departure.
  • It was time to take his conge and continue his journey.

Variants and Related Words

• Congé (n): An alternative spelling, especially common in architectural and formal contexts.
  • The architectural drawing specified a congé at the joint.
• Congeed (v, past tense): The past tense and past participle of the verb 'conge'.
  • He had conged before anyone could stop him.

Synonyms

• Noun (Dismissal): Dismissal, discharge, sack.
• Noun (Farewell): Leave-taking, farewell, adieu.
• Verb: Bow, curtsey, make obeisance.

Related Phrases

• "With a conge": Accompanied by or using a formal bow.
  • He exited the stage with a conge.

Notes on Usage

• The word conge is formal and somewhat archaic. In modern English, its use is largely restricted to historical contexts, classical architecture, or very formal writing.
• The architectural term is a technical one and remains in use within that field.
• The verb form is exceedingly rare in contemporary usage.

Noun

1. an abrupt and unceremonious dismissal
2. formal permission to depart
   • he gave me his conge
3. (architecture) a concave molding

Verb

1. perform a ceremonious bow