privileged communication

noun

1. : confidential communication

2. a : a defamatory communication that does not expose the party making it to the liability that would follow from it if not privileged — called also absolutely privileged communication

   b : a defamatory statement made by one person to another who is in a confidential relation (as that of a prospective employer) or who has an interest therein that may upon proof of bad faith or actual malice be deprived of its privileged character — called also conditionally privileged communication