Pardoning

par·don  (pärdn)

tr.v. par·doned, par·don·ing, par·dons

1. To release (a person) from punishment; exempt from penalty: a convicted criminal who was pardoned by the governor.

2. To let (an offense) pass without punishment.

3. To make courteous allowance for; excuse: Pardon me, I'm in a hurry. See Synonyms at forgive.

n.

1. The act of pardoning.

2. Law

a. Exemption of a convicted person from the penalties of an offense or crime by the power of the executor of the laws.

b. An official document or warrant declaring such an exemption.

3. Allowance or forgiveness for an offense or a discourtesy: begged the host's pardon for leaving early.

4. Roman Catholic Church An indulgence.

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[Middle English pardonen, from Old French pardoner, from Vulgar Latin *perdnre, to give wholeheartedly : Latin per-, intensive pref.; see per- + Latin dnre, to present, forgive (from dnum, gift; see d- in Indo-European roots).]

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pardon·a·ble adj.

pardon·a·ble·ness n.

pardon·a·bly adv.