GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Reprieve , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reprieved ; p. pr. & vb. n. Reprieving.] [OE. repreven to reject, disallow, OF. reprover to blame, reproach, condemn (pres. il reprueve), F. réprouver to disapprove, fr. L. reprobare to reject, condemn; pref. re- re- + probare to try, prove. See Prove, and cf. Reprove, Reprobate.]
   1913 Webster
   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
   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
   
         
       

2.       
   Reprieve , n.
    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
   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