Reprieve

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Clem-reprieve.jpg

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

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)