From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Respite \Res"pite\ (r?s"p?t), n. [OF. respit, F. r['e]pit, 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.
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I crave but four day's respite. --Shak.
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2. Temporary intermission of labor, or of any process or
operation; interval of rest; pause; delay. "Without more
respite." --Chaucer.
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Some pause and respite only I require. --Denham.
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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.
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Syn: Pause; interval; stop; cessation; delay; postponement;
stay; reprieve.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Respite \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.
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Forty days longer we do respite you. --Shak.
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(c) To relieve by a pause or interval of rest. "To respite
his day labor with repast." --Milton.
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