—n.
1 an interval of rest or relief.
2 a delay permitted before the discharge of an obligation or the suffering of a penalty.
—v.tr.
1 grant respite to; reprieve (a condemned person).
2 postpone the execution or exaction of (a sentence, obligation, etc.).
3 give temporary relief from (pain or care) or to (a sufferer).
Etymology: ME f. OF respit f. L respectus RESPECT
Useful english dictionary. 2012.