1. a way of escaping from a difficult situation or obligation; an excuse or loophole
Usage: informal; often used in the phrase 'an easy letout'
2. a piece of fabric inserted into a garment to make it larger or to repair it
Usage: sewing and tailoring

Examples

• He used a technicality as a letout to avoid paying the fine.
• The contract had a letout clause that allowed either party to withdraw.
• Don't look for a letout—you need to face this problem directly.
• The tailor added a letout to the seams so the pants could be let down.
• She found a convenient letout by claiming she had forgotten about the meeting.