c.1386, "freedom or release" (from some activity or occupation), from O.Fr. vacation, from L. vacationem (nom. vacatio) "leisure, a being free from duty," from vacare "be empty, free, or at leisure" (see vain). Meaning "formal suspension of activity" (in ref. to schools, courts, etc.) is recorded from c.1456. As the U.S. equivalent of what in Britain is called a "holiday," it is attested from 1878.

–noun

1.	a bundle of something, usually of small or medium size, that is packed and wrapped or boxed; parcel.

2.	a container, as a box or case, in which something is or may be packed.

3.	something conceived of as a compact unit having particular characteristics: That child is a package of mischief.

4.	the packing of goods, freight, etc.

5.	a finished product contained in a unit that is suitable for immediate installation and operation, as a power or heating unit.

6.	a gr 3e8 oup, combination, or series of related parts or elements to be accepted or rejected as a single unit.

7.	a complete program produced for the theater, television, etc., or a series of these, sold as a unit.

–verb (used with object)

8.	to make or put into a package.

9.	to design and manufacture a package for (a product or series of related products): They package their soaps in eye-catching wrappers.

10.	to group or combine (a series of related parts) into a single unit.

11.	to combine the various elements of (a tour, entertainment, etc.) for sale as a unit.