Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Respite
Res′pite
(r?s′p?t)
, Noun.
[OF.
respit
, F. répit
, from L. respectus
respect, regard, delay, in LL., the deferring of a day. See Respect
.] 1.
A putting off of that which was appointed; a postponement or delay.
I crave but four day’s
respite
. Shakespeare
2.
Temporary intermission of labor, or of any process or operation; interval of rest; pause; delay.
“Without more respite.” Chaucer.
Some pause and
respite
only I require. Denham.
3.
(Law)
(a)
Temporary suspension of the execution of a capital offender; reprieve.
(b)
The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.
Syn. – Pause; interval; stop; cessation; delay; postponement; stay; reprieve.
Res′pite
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Respited
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Respiting
.] To give or grant a respite to.
Specifically: (a)
To delay or postpone; to put off.
(b)
To keep back from execution; to reprieve.
Forty days longer we do
respite
you. Shakespeare
(c)
To relieve by a pause or interval of rest.
“To respite his day labor with repast.” Milton.