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.
Derivatives:
pardonable adj. pardonably adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF pardun, pardoner f. med.L perdonare concede, remit (as PER-, donare give)