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clemency

 - 4 dictionary results

clem⋅en⋅cy

  [klem-uhn-see]
Use clemency in a Sentence
–noun, plural -cies.
1. the quality of being clement; disposition to show forbearance, compassion, or forgiveness in judging or punishing; leniency; mercy.
2. an act or deed showing mercy or leniency.
3. (of the weather) mildness or temperateness.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME (< AF) < L clēmentia. See clement, -cy

Synonyms:
1. forgivingness, gentleness, mercifulness.

Antonyms:
1. harshness. 3. severity.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To clemency
clem·en·cy   (klěm'ən-sē)   
n.   pl. clem·en·cies

  1. A disposition to show mercy, especially toward an offender or enemy. See Synonyms at mercy.

  2. A merciful, kind, or lenient act.

  3. Mildness, especially of weather.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

clemency 
1553, "mildness or gentleness shown in exercise of authority," from L. clementia "calmness, gentleness," from clementem (nom. clemens) "calm, mild," related to -clinare "to lean" (see lean (v.)). Meaning "mildness of weather or climate" is 1667; clement (adj.) is older in both senses, 1483 and 1622 respectively, but now is used only in negation and only of the weather.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: clem·en·cy
Pronunciation: 'kle-m&n-sE
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -cies
1 : willingness or ability to moderate the severity of a punishment (as a sentence)
2 : an act or instance of mercy, compassion, or forgiveness —see also AMNESTY, COMMUTE, PARDON, REPRIEVE
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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