Found 2 items, similar to reprieve.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: reprieve reprieve n 1: a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort [syn: respite] 2: an interruption in the intensity or amount of something [syn: suspension, respite, hiatus, abatement] 3: a warrant granting postponement (usually to postpone the execution of the death sentence) 4: the act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment [syn: respite] v 1: postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution [syn: respite] 2: relieve temporarily
English → English (gcide) Definition: Reprieve Reprieve \Re*prieve"\ (r?-pr?v"), n. 1. A temporary suspension of the execution of a sentence, especially of a sentence of death. [1913 Webster] The morning Sir John Hotham was to die, a reprieve was sent to suspend the execution for three days. --Clarendon. [1913 Webster] 2. Interval of ease or relief; respite. [1913 Webster] All that I ask is but a short reprieve, ll I forget to love, and learn to grieve. --Denham. [1913 Webster] Reprieve \Re*prieve\ (r?-pr?v"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reprieved (-pr?vd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Reprieving.] [OE. repreven to reject, disallow, OF. reprover to blame, reproach, condemn (pres. il reprueve), F. r['e]prouver to disapprove, fr. L. reprobare to reject, condemn; pref. re- re- + probare to try, prove. See Prove, and cf. Reprove, Reprobate.] [1913 Webster] 1. To delay the punishment of; to suspend the execution of sentence on; to give a respite to; to respite; as, to reprieve a criminal for thirty days. [1913 Webster] He reprieves the sinnner from time to time. --Rogers. [1913 Webster] 2. To relieve for a time, or temporarily. [1913 Webster] Company, thought it may reprieve a man from his melaneholy yet can not secure him from his conscience. --South. [1913 Webster]