Webster's English Dictionary

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reprieve

1. re.prieve \ri-'pre-v\ vt [perh. fr. MF repris, pp. of reprendre to take 
   back] 1: to delay the punishment of (as a condemned prisoner) : RESPITE  2: 
   to give relief or deliverance to for a time 
2. reprieve n 1a: the act of reprieving : the state of being reprieved  1b: 
   a formal temporary suspension of the execution of a sentence esp. of de ath 
   2: an order or warrant for a reprieve  3: a temporary respite