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respite

noun

  1. period of relaxation, rest
L326707 on Wikidata ↗

verb

No English definition recorded for this entry.

L332817 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈɹɛsˌpaɪt/ / /ˈɹɛs.pɪt/

noun

Etymology: From Anglo-Norman and Old French respit (“rest”), from Latin respectus. Doublet of respect.

  1. A brief interval of rest or relief.

    I crave but four day's respite.

    Some pause and respite only I require.

  2. A reprieve, especially from a sentence of death.

    Thenne spake sir gawayn and sayd my lord Arthur I wold counceylle yow not to be ouer hasty but that ye wold putte it in respyte this Iugement of my lady the quene for many causes. "Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said: My lord Arthur, I would counsel you not to be over-hasty, but that ye would put it in respite, this judgment of my lady the queen, for many causes."

    The PACC Act [Post-Appeal Applications in Capital Cases Act] also amends the CPC [Criminal Procedure Code] to provide that a capital sentence may be carried out unless:[…]The President has ordered a respite.

  3. The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.
  4. A short period of spoken dialogue in an otherwise sung-through musical.

verb

Etymology: From Anglo-Norman and Old French respit (“rest”), from Latin respectus. Doublet of respect.

  1. To delay or postpone (an event).
  2. To allow (a person) extra time to fulfil some obligation.