noun pl. apologies -·gies

1. a formal spoken or written defense of some idea, religion, philosophy, etc.
2. an acknowledgment of some fault, injury, insult, etc., with an expression of regret and a plea for pardon
3. an inferior substitute; makeshift he is a poor apology for an actor

Etymology: LL(Ec) apologia < Gr, a speaking in defense < apologeisthai, to speak in defense < apo-, from + logos, speech: see logic