Reprieve
WordNet
noun
(1) The act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment
(2) A warrant granting postponement (usually to postpone the execution of the death sentence)
(3) An interruption in the intensity or amount of something
(4) A (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
verb
(5) Relieve temporarily
(6) Postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
WiktionaryText
Etymology
1571, in sense of “to take back to prison”, from (1494), probably from , form of ; cognate to . Sense generalized, but retains connotations of punishment and execution. Noun attested 1598.
Verb
- To cancel or postpone the punishment of someone, especially an execution.
- To bring relief to someone.
- To take back to prison (in lieu of execution).
Noun
- The cancellation or postponement of a punishment.
- A document authorizing such an action.
- Relief from pain etc., especially temporary.