al|i|bi

al|i|bi «AL uh by», noun, plural -bis, verb, -bied, -bi|ing.

–n.

1. Law. the plea or fact that an accused person was somewhere else when an offense was committed: »

Immediately after the robbery the gang scattered to establish alibis.

2. U.S. Informal. an excuse: »

What is your alibi for failing to do your homework?

–v.i.

U.S. Informal. to make an excuse: »

He alibied for her that she was very busy when they asked him why she didn't visit them.

–v.t.

U.S. Informal. to make an excuse for.

╂[< Latin alibī elsewhere]