RESPITE • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Respite

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/rˈɛspɪt/ Listen

noun

Respite n.

A putting off of that which was appointed; a postponement or delay. "I crave but four day's respite."

Temporary intermission of labor, or of any process or operation; interval of rest; pause; delay. "Without more respite." "Some pause and respite only I require."

(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.

Synonyms: Pause; interval; stop; cessation; delay; postponement; stay; reprieve.

verb

Respite v. t. (past & past part. respited; pres. part. 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."

(c)

To relieve by a pause or interval of rest. "To respite his day labor with repast."

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Etymology of 'Respite'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Respite" Quotes from Famous Books

... sir. Though you should rest awhile. The very servants half are invalid From the unceasing labours of your post, And these cloaked visitors of every clime That market on your magnanimity To gain an audience morning, night, and noon, Leaving you no respite. ...

— The Dynasts - An Epic-Drama Of The War With Napoleon, In Three Parts, - Nineteen Acts, And One Hundred And Thirty Scenes • Thomas Hardy

... But the respite was brief. In a moment they saw the glare increase at the door, and presently a half-dozen of the rabble entered with torches, followed by some scores of their comrades. They paused at sight of that company ranged upon the stairs, as well they ...

— The Trampling of the Lilies • Rafael Sabatini

... respite know," they sang on, and Garnet's "Whosoever will, let him come," and other calls swept across their chant like the crash of falling trees across the roar ...

— John March, Southerner • George W. Cable

... of passing his life with the Indians. In joining them he submitted to necessity. It gave him a respite, and a chance to devise plans of escape. He understood very well that, if he made the attempt and failed, his life would be the forfeit. But Tom determined to take the risk, though his life was sweet to him; but, of course, he must wait ...

— The Young Adventurer - or Tom's Trip Across the Plains • Horatio Alger

... "Follow him close, and viewing (for a sign), Now near, the fortress of the enchanter hoar; Let no false pity there thy mind incline To stay the execution of my lore. Give him his death; but let him not divine Thy thought, nor grant him respite; for before Thine eyes, concealed by it, the caitiff slips If once he place the ...

— Orlando Furioso • Lodovico Ariosto

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