n., v., & int.
n. 1 the act of excusing or forgiving an offence, error, etc. 2 (in full free pardon) a remission of the legal consequences of a crime or conviction. 3 RC Ch. an indulgence.
v.tr. 1 release from the consequences of an offence, error, etc. 2 forgive or excuse a person for (an offence etc.). 3 make (esp. courteous) allowances for; excuse.
int. (also pardon me or I beg your pardon) 1 a formula of apology or disagreement. 2 a request to repeat something said. pardonable adj. pardonably adv.
[ ME f. OF pardun, pardoner f. med.L perdonare concede, remit (as PER-, donare give) ]