I. ˈres-pət also ri-ˈspīt, Britain usually ˈres-ˌpīt noun
Etymology: Middle English respit, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin respectus, from Latin, act of looking back — more at respect
Date: 13th century
1. : a period of temporary delay
2. : an interval of rest or relief
II. transitive verb
( re·spit·ed ; re·spit·ing )
Date: 14th century
1. : to grant a respite to
2. : put off , delay
III. adjective
Date: 1978
: providing or being temporary care in relief of a primary caregiver
respite care
a respite worker