A privilege is an honour, or permissive activity granted by another person or even a government. A privilege is not a right and in some cases can be revoked. For example in most countries driving on publicly-maintained roads is a privilege, if one violates certain rules driving privileges can be revoked.
Defining the difference between a 'privilege' and a 'right' is difficult. Generally a 'privilege' is granted to a few after birth, and a 'right' is an entitlement to all mankind from birth. Privilege is often an extension of power and wealth.
This term is also used to describe certain advantages, often unfair, that some groups of people are felt to have more than others. Examples include race, social class, attractiveness, and gender.
An exclusive or peculiar privilege; prior and indefeasible right; fundamental and essential possession; -- used generally of an official and hereditary right which may be asserted without question, and for the exercise of which there is no responsibility or accountability as to the fact and the manner of its exercise.
Privilege, among the Romans, was something conferred upon an individual by a private law; and hence, it denotes some peculiar benefit or advantage, some right or immunity, not enjoyed by the world at large.
It is the privilege of a Christian child to be instructed in the true religion.
Privilege in English law is either personal or real - that is to say, it is granted to a person, as a peer, or to a place, as a university.
The most important instances at present existing in England are the privilege of parliament (see Parliament), which protects certain communications from being regarded as libellous (see Libel And Slander), and certain privileges enjoyed by the clergy and others, by which they are to some extent exempt from public duties, such as serving on juries.
Privileged copyholds are those held by the custom of the manor and not by the will of the lord.
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