/res"pit/ , n. , v. , respited, respiting .
n.
1. a delay or cessation for a time, esp. of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief: to toil without respite.
2. temporary suspension of the execution of a person condemned to death; reprieve.
v.t.
3. to relieve temporarily, esp. from anything distressing or trying; give an interval of relief from.
4. to grant delay in the carrying out of (a punishment, obligation, etc.).
[ 1200-50; (n.) ME respit respectus (see RESPECT); (v.) ME respiten respitier respectare, freq. of respicere to look back; see RESPECT ]
Syn. 1. hiatus, rest, recess. 2. postponement, stay. 3. alleviate. 4. postpone, suspend.