[re.prieve] vt re.prieved ; re.priev.ing [alter. of earlier repry, perh. fr. MF repris, pp. of reprendre to take back] (1596) 1: to delay the punishment of (as a condemned prisoner)
2: to give relief or deliverance to for a time
[2]reprieve n (1592) 1 a: the act of reprieving: the state of being reprieved b: a formal temporary suspension of the execution of a sentence esp. of death
2: an order or warrant for a reprieve
3: a temporary respite (as from pain or trouble)