Pardon (pärˈd'n), n. [F., fr. pardonner to pardon. See Pardon, v. t.]
1. The act of pardoning; forgiveness, as of an offender, or of an offense; release from penalty; remission of punishment; absolution.
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Pardon, my lord, for me and for my tidings. Shak.
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But infinite in pardon was my judge. Milton.
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Used in expressing courteous denial or contradiction; as, “I beg your pardon”; or in indicating that one has not understood another; as, “I beg pardon; or pardon me?”.
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2. An official warrant of remission of penalty.
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Sign me a present pardon for my brother. Shak.
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3. The state of being forgiven. South.
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4. (Law) A release, by a sovereign, or officer having jurisdiction, from the penalties of an offense, being distinguished from amnesty, which is a general obliteration and canceling of a particular line of past offenses.
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Syn. -- Forgiveness; remission. See Forgiveness.
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Pardon, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pardoned (pärˈd'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Pardoning.] [Either fr. pardon, n., or from F. pardonner, LL. perdonare; L. per through, thoroughly, perfectly + donare to give, to present. See Par-, and Donation.]
1. To absolve from the consequences of a fault or the punishment of crime; to free from penalty; -- applied to the offender.
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In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant. 2 Kings v. 18.
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I pray you, pardon me; pray heartily, pardon me. Shak.
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2. To remit the penalty of; to suffer to pass without punishment; to forgive; -- applied to offenses.
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I pray thee, pardon my sin. 1 Sam. xv. 25.
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Apollo, pardon
My great profaneness 'gainst thine oracle! Shak.
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3. To refrain from exacting as a penalty.
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I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it. Shak.
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4. To give leave (of departure) to. [Obs.]
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Even now about it! I will pardon you. Shak.
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Pardon me, forgive me; excuse me; -- a phrase used also to express courteous denial or contradiction, or to request forgiveness for a mild transgression, such as bumping a person while passing.
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Syn. -- To forgive; absolve; excuse; overlook; remit; acquit. See Excuse.
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