from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Reprieve \Re*prieve\ (r?-pr?v"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Reprieved}
(-pr?vd"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Reprieving}.] [OE. repreven to
reject, disallow, OF. reprover to blame, reproach, condemn
(pres. il reprueve), F. r['e]prouver to disapprove, fr. L.
reprobare to reject, condemn; pref. re- re- + probare to try,
prove. See {Prove}, and cf. {Reprove}, {Reprobate}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To delay the punishment of; to suspend the execution of
sentence on; to give a respite to; to respite; as, to
reprieve a criminal for thirty days.
[1913 Webster]
He reprieves the sinnner from time to time.
--Rogers.
[1913 Webster]
2. To relieve for a time, or temporarily.
[1913 Webster]
Company, thought it may reprieve a man from his
melaneholy yet can not secure him from his
conscience. --South.
[1913 Webster]