Reprieve

Origin

1571, in sense of “to take back to prison”, from Middle English repryen ("to remand, detain") (1494), probably from Middle French repris, form of reprendre ("take back"); cognate to reprise. Sense generalized, but retains connotations of punishment and execution. Noun attested 1598.

Online Etymology Dictionary

Full definition of reprieve

Verb

1. (transitive) To cancel or postpone the punishment of someone, especially an execution.
2. (transitive) To bring relief to someone.
• SouthCompany ... may reprieve a man from his melancholy, yet it cannot secure him from his conscience.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To take back to prison (in lieu of execution).

Derived terms

• reprieval

Noun

1. The cancellation or postponement of a punishment.
2. A document authorizing such an action.
3. Relief from pain etc., especially temporary.