n. & v.
--n.
1. an interval of rest or relief.
2 a delay permitted before the discharge of an obligation or the suffering of a penalty.
--v.tr.
1. grant respite to; reprieve (a condemned person).
2 postpone the execution or exaction of (a sentence, obligation, etc.).
3 give temporary relief from (pain or care) or to (a sufferer).
Etymology: ME f. OF respit f. L respectus RESPECT