Res"pite (r?s"p?t), n. [OF. respit, F. r'epit, from L. respectus respect, regard, delay, in LL., the deferring of a day. See Respect.]
1.
A putting off of that which was appointed; a postponement or delay.
I crave but four day's respite.
Shak.
2.
Temporary intermission of labor, or of any process or operation; interval of rest; pause; delay.
"Without more
respite."
Chaucer.
Some pause and respite only I require.
Denham.
3. Law (a)
Temporary suspension of the execution of a capital offender; reprieve.
(b)
The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.
Syn. -- Pause; interval; stop; cessation; delay; postponement; stay; reprieve.
© Webster 1913.
Res"pite, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Respited; p. pr. & vb. n. Respiting.] [OF. respiter, LL. respectare. See Respite, n.]
To give or grant a respite to.
Specifically: (a)
To delay or postpone; to put off
. (b)
To keep back from execution; to reprieve.
Forty days longer we do respite you.
Shak.
(c)
To relieve by a pause or interval of rest
. "To
respite his day labor with repast."
Milton.
© Webster 1913.