n.
 (pl. apologies)
   - a regretful acknowledgement of an offence or failure. 
▸
(apologies)
 a formal expression of regret at being unable to attend a meeting or social function.
 - 
(an apology for)
 a very poor example of.
 - a justification or defence.
 
 
  Etymology
  C16: from Fr. apologie, or via late L. from Gk apologia ‘a speech in one's own defence’, from apo ‘away’+ -logia (see -logy).