respite

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A brief interval of rest or relief.

   I crave but four day's respite.

2. 2
   noun

   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."

3. 3
   noun

   a pause from doing something (as work)

4. 4
   noun

   the act of reprieving

5. 5
   noun

   an interruption in the intensity or amount of something

6. 6
   noun

   a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort

7. 7
   noun

   a pause for relaxation

8. 8
   verb

   postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution

Etymology

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