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leave of absence

noun: pl., leaves of absence. 

See leave2
leave2 (lēv)

[Middle English leve, from Old English lēafe dative and accusative of lēaf.]

noun 

  1. Permission to do something. See synonyms at permission
    1. Official permission to be absent from work or duty, as that granted to military or corporate personnel.
    2. The period of time granted by such permission. Also called leave of absence
  3. An act of departing; a farewell: took leave of her with a heavy heart.