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).
[ ME f. OF respit f. L respectus RESPECT ]