— repriever , n.
/ri preev"/ , v. , reprieved, reprieving , n.
v.t.
1. to delay the impending punishment or sentence of (a condemned person).
2. to relieve temporarily from any evil.
n.
3. a respite from impending punishment, as from execution of a sentence of death.
4. a warrant authorizing this.
5. any respite or temporary relief.
[ 1300-50; perh. conflation of ME repreven to REPROVE, appar. taken in literal sense "to test again" (involving postponement), and ME repried (ptp.) reprit (see REPRISE) ]
Syn. 3. See pardon. 5. delay, postponement, stay, deferment.