in absentia adv. phr., 
formal When the person is absent. 
■  Used in graduation exercises when presenting diplomas to an absent student or during a court case. 
 On Commencement Day, Joe was sick in bed and the college gave him his bachelor's degree in absentia.
 On Commencement Day, Joe was sick in bed and the college gave him his bachelor's degree in absentia. (Latin, meaning "in absence.") 
 [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲