2. Not existing; lacking; as, the part was rudimental or
absent.
3. Inattentive to what is passing; absent-minded;
preoccupied; as, an absent air.
What is commonly called an absent man is commonly
either a very weak or a very affected man.
--Chesterfield.
Syn: {Absent}, {Abstracted}.
Usage: These words both imply a want of attention to
surrounding objects. We speak of a man as absent when
his thoughts wander unconsciously from present scenes
or topics of discourse; we speak of him as abstracted
when his mind (usually for a brief period) is drawn
off from present things by some weighty matter for
reflection. Absence of mind is usually the result of
loose habits of thought; abstraction commonly arises
either from engrossing interests and cares, or from
unfortunate habits of association.
If after due summons any member absents himself, he
is to be fined. --Addison.
2. To withhold from being present. [Obs.] ``Go; for thy stay,
not free, absents thee more.'' --Milton.