stay of execution

stay of execution
    n 1: an order whereby a judgment is precluded from being
         executed for a specific period of time
    

STAY OF EXECUTION, practice. A term during which no execution can issue on a 
judgment. 
     2. It is either conventional, when the parties agree that no execution 
shall issue for a certain period; or it is granted by law, usually on 
condition of entering bail or security for the money. 
     3. An execution issued before the expiration of the stay is irregular 
and will be set aside; and the plaintiff in such case may be liable to an 
action for damages. What is said above refers to civil cases. 
     4. In criminal cases when a woman is capitally convicted, and she is 
proved to be enceinte, (q.v.) there shall be a stay of execution till after 
her delivery. Vide Pregnancy.