Respite Definition

rĕspĭt
respited, respites, respiting
noun
respites
A delay or postponement; esp., postponement of the carrying out of a death sentence; reprieve.
Webster's New World
An interval of temporary relief or rest, as from pain, work, or duty; lull.
Webster's New World
Temporary suspension of the execution of a sentence.
American Heritage
Forbearance or delay, as granted in the payment of a debt.
American Heritage
A delay or postponement of a sentence, or one granted to a jury or court for further consideration or deliberation. In all cases, it is temporary.
Webster's New World Law
verb
respited, respites, respiting
To delay (a legal sentence, for example); postpone.
American Heritage
To give a respite to.
Webster's New World
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
adjective
Relating to or being a respite.
Respite care.
American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Respite

Noun

Singular:
respite
Plural:
respites

Origin of Respite

  • Middle English from Old French respit from Latin respectus refuge, looking back respect

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Anglo-Norman and Old French respit (“rest")

    From Wiktionary

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