v. & n.
v.tr. 1 remit, commute, or postpone the execution of (a condemned person). 2 give respite to.
n. 1 a the act or an instance of reprieving or being reprieved. b a warrant for this. 2 respite; a respite or temporary escape.
[ ME as past part. repryed f. AF & OF repris past part. of reprendre (as RE-, prendre f. L prehendere take): 16th-c. -v- unexpl. ]