Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Commutation
Comˊmu-ta′tion
,Noun.
[L.
commutatio
: cf. F. commutation
.] 1.
A passing from one state to another; change; alteration; mutation.
[R.]
So great is the
commutation
that the soul then hated only that which now only it loves. South.
2.
The act of giving one thing for another; barter; exchange.
[Obs.]
The use of money is . . . that of saving the
commutation
of more bulky commodities. Arbuthnot.
3.
(Law)
The change of a penalty or punishment by the pardoning power of the State;
as, the
. commutation
of a sentence of death to banishment or imprisonmentSuits are allowable in the spiritual courts for money agreed to be given as a
commutation
for penance. Blackstone.
4.
A substitution, as of a less thing for a greater, esp. a substitution of one form of payment for another, or one payment for many, or a specific sum of money for conditional payments or allowances;
as,
. commutation
of tithes; commutation
of fares; commutation
of copyright; commutation
of rations5.
regular travel from a place of residence to a place where one’s daily work is performed; commuting. Most often, such travel is performed between a suburb and a nearby city.
Angle of commutation
(Astron.)
, the difference of the geocentric longitudes of the sun and a planet.
– Commutation of tithes
, the substitution of a regular payment, chargeable to the land, for the annual tithes in kind.
– Commutation ticket
, a ticket, as for transportation, which is the evidence of a contract for service at a reduced rate. See 2d
Commute
, 2.Webster 1828 Edition
Commutation
COMMUTATION
, n.1.
Change; alteration; a passing from one state to another.2.
Exchange; the act of giving one thing for another; barter.The use of money is to save the commutation of more bulky commodities.
3.
In law, the change of a penalty or punishment from a greater to a less; as banishment instead of death.Suits are allowable in the spiritual courts for money agreed to be given as a commutation for penance.