Category:Reprieve

Re*prieve (r-prv"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reprieved (-prvd"); p. pr. & Vb. n. Reprieving.] Etym: [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.]

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. He reprieves the sinnner from time to time. Rogers.

2. To relieve for a time, or temporarily. Company, thought it may reprieve a man from his melaneholy yet can Not secure him from his conscience. South.

Reprieve Re*prieve" (r-prv"), n.

1. A temporary suspension of the execution of a sentence, especially Of a sentence of death. The morning sir john hotham was to die, a reprieve was sent to Suspend the execution for three days. Clarendon.

2. Interval of ease or relief; respite. All that i ask is but a short reprieve, ll i forget to love, and Learn to grieve. Denham.