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respite

 - 9 dictionary results

res⋅pite

[res-pit] noun, verb, -pit⋅ed, -pit⋅ing.
–noun
1. a delay or cessation for a time, esp. of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief: to toil without respite.
2. temporary suspension of the execution of a person condemned to death; reprieve.
–verb (used with object)
3. to relieve temporarily, esp. from anything distressing or trying; give an interval of relief from.
4. to grant delay in the carrying out of (a punishment, obligation, etc.).

Origin:
1200–50; (n.) ME respit < OF < L respectus (see respect ); (v.) ME respiten < OF respitier < L respectāre, freq. of respicere to look back; see respect


1. hiatus, rest, recess. 2. postponement, stay. 3. alleviate. 4. postpone, suspend.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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res·pite   (rěs'pĭt)   
n.  
  1. A usually short interval of rest or relief. See Synonyms at pause.

  2. Law Temporary suspension of a death sentence; a reprieve.

tr.v.   res·pit·ed, res·pit·ing, res·pites
To delay; postpone.

[Middle English, from Old French respit, from Latin respectus, refuge, looking back; see respect.]
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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Main Entry:  respite1
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  a delay or postponement
Etymology:  Latin respectus 'looking back'
Main Entry:  respite1
Part of Speech:  v
Definition:  to grant a respite to
Etymology:  Latin respectus 'looking back'
Usage:  transitive
Main Entry:  respite2
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  a temporary suspension of punishment; reprieve
Etymology:  Latin respectus 'looking back'
Main Entry:  respite2
Part of Speech:  v
Definition:  to postpone, delay
Etymology:  Latin respectus 'looking back'
Usage:  transitive
Main Entry:  respite3
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  a temporary rest or relief; pause
Etymology:  Latin respectus 'looking back'
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
Copyright © 2003-2009 Dictionary.com, LLC
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Word Origin & History

respite 
c.1290, from O.Fr. respit "delay, respect," from L. respectus "consideration, recourse, regard" (see respect).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: res·pite
Pronunciation: 'res-p&t, ri-'spIt
Function: noun
in the civil law of Louisiana : a judicially approved or enforced agreement that provides a debtor with time or a delay for the payment of creditors
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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