pardon

par•don

[[t]ˈpɑr dn[/t]] n.

1) kind indulgence, as in forgiveness for an offense or in tolerance of an inconvenience:

I beg your pardon[/ex]

2) law

a) a legal release from the penalty of an offense, as by an official

b) law a document declaring such release

3) forgiveness of an offense or offender

4) rel Obs. a papal indulgence

5) to excuse or make courteous allowance for:

Pardon me for interfering[/ex]

6) to release (a person) from liability for an offense

7) to remit the penalty of (an offense)

8) cvb (used with rising inflection when asking a speaker to repeat something.)

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Etymology: 1250–1300; < OF pardon remission, indulgence, < pardoner < ML perdōnāre to remit, forgive = L per- per-+dōnāre to give (see donate) par′don•a•ble, adj. par′don•a•bly, adv. syn: pardon, amnesty, reprieve refer to the remission or delay of a penalty or punishment for an offense; these terms do not imply absolution from guilt. A pardon is often granted by a government official; it releases the individual from any punishment due: The governor granted a pardon to the prisoner. amnesty is usu. a general pardon granted to a group of persons for offenses against a government; it often includes an assurance of no further prosecution: to grant amnesty to the rebels. A reprieve is a delay of impending punishment, usu. for a specific period of time or until a decision can be made as to the possibility of pardon or reduction of sentence: a last-minute reprieve, allowing the prisoner to file an appeal. See also excuse