I. ˈrespə̇]t sometimes ˈreˌspī] or rə̇ˈspī] or rēˈspī]; usu ]d.+V\ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English respit, from Old French, from Medieval Latin respectus, from Latin, act of looking back — more at respect
1. : a putting off of that which was appointed : extension of time : postponement , delay : as
a. : temporary suspension of the execution of a capital offender : reprieve
b. : a delay of appearance at court granted to a jury
2. : temporary intermission of labor or of any process or operation : interval of rest
3. obsolete : delay in acting
4. obsolete : leisure , opportunity
5. : one that is reprieved
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English respiten, from Middle French respiter, from Medieval Latin respectare to respect, delay, respite, from Latin, to look back repeatedly, wait for, respect, freq. of respicere to look back — more at respect
transitive verb
1. : to give or grant a respite to: as
a. : to delay or postpone : put off
b. : to keep back from execution : reprieve
2. archaic : to desist from : forbear , suspend
3.
a. : to suspend temporarily the necessity for meeting (as an obligation) or paying (a penalty)
b. obsolete : to relieve by a pause or interval of rest
4. obsolete : prolong
intransitive verb
archaic : to take a respite : rest