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v. re·prieved, re·priev·ing, re·prieves v.tr. 1. a. To prevent or suspend the punishment of (someone, especially a convicted criminal). b. To prevent or suspend (a punishment). 2. To bring relief to: The rain reprieved us from the noise of the construction machinery. v.intr. To prevent the imposition of a scheduled or expected punishment, especially temporarily. n. 1. a. The prevention or suspension of a scheduled or expected punishment. b. A court order or other official notification preventing or suspending a scheduled or expected punishment. 2. Temporary relief, as from danger or pain. [Alteration (influenced by Middle English repreven, to contradict, variant of reproven, to rebuke) of Middle English reprien, probably from Old French repris, past participle of reprendre, to take back, from Latin reprehendere, reprēndere, to hold back; see REPREHEND.] re·prieva·ble adj. |
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