The process of granting official permission to engage in a particular activity or profession. A system of regulation that controls who may legally perform certain actions or services.
From Old French 'licence' from Latin 'licentia' meaning 'freedom' or 'permission,' from 'licere' (to be allowed). The concept evolved from medieval privileges granted by rulers to modern regulatory systems ensuring competency and public safety.
Licensing represents society's attempt to balance individual freedom with collective safety - it's the compromise between letting anyone try anything and protecting people from incompetent or dangerous practitioners. Every licensed professional from doctors to hairdressers represents this social contract in action.
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