dispensation
n. C1 Advanced US //ˌdɪspənˈseɪʃən// UK //dɪspɪnsˈeɪʃən// dis·pen·sa·tion
n. a special permission to do something that is usually not allowed. It is like a rule that is temporarily changed for a specific person or situation.
n. a special permission or exemption from a rule, law, or requirement. Often used in formal or religious contexts to describe a temporary change in standard practice.
The manager gave me a dispensation to leave early.
The university granted a dispensation for the student to take the exam at a different time due to a family emergency.
In many religious traditions, a dispensation allows a priest to perform a marriage ceremony for two people who would otherwise be considered related by blood.
From Old French despensacion, from Latin dispensātiō. By surface analysis, dispens(e) + -ation.