"by your leave"

Posted by James Briggs November 06, 2001In reply to "By your leave" posted by Bob Segrell on November 06, 2001

I don't see "by your leave" phrase listed.
In back of my mind it means a polite phrase as one passes another while walking.
Any comments?

It means 'with your permission', 'with your agreement'.
Leave is an oldish word for both of these terms. It's used, or was used, in a variety of contexts, mainly formal and often, allegedly, at Court, if you believe the movies!

See also: the meaning and origin of 'by your leave'.