D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Exculpation

· Ex·cul·pa·tion · IPA
01 n. The act of exculpating from alleged fault or crime; that which exculpates; excuse.
  1. 1.
    The act of exculpating from alleged fault or crime; that which exculpates; excuse.
    “These robbers, however, were men who might have made out a strong case in exculpation of themselves.” Southey.