Reprieve

Origin

probably blend of obsolete repreve to reprove (from Middle English) and obsolete repry to remand, postpone, from Anglo-French repri-, past stem of reprendre to take back

• 1596

Definitions

• 1: to delay the punishment of (as a condemned prisoner)
• 2: to give relief or deliverance to for a time

Description

Temporary postponement of a punishment, usually so that the accused can mount an appeal (especially if he or she has been sentenced to death)