'Reprieving' definitions:

Definition of 'Reprieving'

From: GCIDE
  • Reprieve \Re*prieve\ (r?-pr?v"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reprieved (-pr?vd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Reprieving.] [OE. repreven to reject, disallow, OF. reprover to blame, reproach, condemn (pres. il reprueve), F. r['e]prouver to disapprove, fr. L. reprobare to reject, condemn; pref. re- re- + probare to try, prove. See Prove, and cf. Reprove, Reprobate.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. To delay the punishment of; to suspend the execution of sentence on; to give a respite to; to respite; as, to reprieve a criminal for thirty days. [1913 Webster]
  • He reprieves the sinnner from time to time. --Rogers. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To relieve for a time, or temporarily. [1913 Webster]
  • Company, thought it may reprieve a man from his melaneholy yet can not secure him from his conscience. --South. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Reprieving'