Dictionary-Definition.com :: Pardon definition

Definition of 'pardon'

noun

The act of excusing a mistake or offense [syn: forgiveness, pardon]

noun

A warrant granting release from punishment for an offense [syn: pardon, amnesty]

noun

The formal act of liberating someone [syn: amnesty, pardon, free pardon]

verb

Accept an excuse for; "Please excuse my dirty hands" [syn: excuse, pardon]

verb

Grant a pardon to; "Ford pardoned Nixon"; "The Thanksgiving turkey was pardoned by the President"

From: GCIDE

Pardon \Par"don\ (p[aum]r"d'n), n. [F., fr. pardonner to pardon. See Pardon, v. t.]
1. The act of pardoning; forgiveness, as of an offender, or of an offense; release from penalty; remission of punishment; absolution. [1913 Webster]
Pardon, my lord, for me and for my tidings. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
But infinite in pardon was my judge. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
Usage: Used in expressing courteous denial or contradiction; as, I beg your pardon; or in indicating that one has not understood another; as, I beg pardon; or pardon me?. [1913 Webster +PJC]
2. An official warrant of remission of penalty. [1913 Webster]
Sign me a present pardon for my brother. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. The state of being forgiven. --South. [1913 Webster]
4. (Law) A release, by a sovereign, or officer having jurisdiction, from the penalties of an offense, being distinguished from amnesty, which is a general obliteration and canceling of a particular line of past offenses. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Forgiveness; remission. See Forgiveness. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Pardon \Par"don\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pardoned (p[aum]r"d'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Pardoning.] [Either fr. pardon, n., or from F. pardonner, LL. perdonare; L. per through, thoroughly, perfectly + donare to give, to present. See Par-, and Donation.]
1. To absolve from the consequences of a fault or the punishment of crime; to free from penalty; -- applied to the offender. [1913 Webster]
In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant. --2 Kings v. 18. [1913 Webster]
I pray you, pardon me; pray heartily, pardon me. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. To remit the penalty of; to suffer to pass without punishment; to forgive; -- applied to offenses. [1913 Webster]
I pray thee, pardon my sin. --1 Sam. xv. 25. [1913 Webster]
Apollo, pardon My great profaneness 'gainst thine oracle! --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. To refrain from exacting as a penalty. [1913 Webster]
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
4. To give leave (of departure) to. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
Even now about it! I will pardon you. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Pardon me, forgive me; excuse me; -- a phrase used also to express courteous denial or contradiction, or to request forgiveness for a mild transgression, such as bumping a person while passing. [1913 Webster +PJC]
Syn: To forgive; absolve; excuse; overlook; remit; acquit. See Excuse. [1913 Webster]

Pardon the forgiveness of sins granted freely (Isa. 43:25), readily (Neh. 9:17; Ps. 86:5), abundantly (Isa. 55:7; Rom. 5:20). Pardon is an act of a sovereign, in pure sovereignty, granting simply a remission of the penalty due to sin, but securing neither honour nor reward to the pardoned. Justification (q.v.), on the other hand, is the act of a judge, and not of a sovereign, and includes pardon and, at the same time, a title to all the rewards and blessings promised in the covenant of life.