reprieve, reprieving, reprieved 1. To delay the impending punishment or sentence of (a condemned person). 2. To relieve temporarily from any evil. 3. Respite from impending punishment, as from execution of a sentence of death. 4. Any respite or temporary relief. 5. Etymology: to delay the execution or punishment of person. In 1571, reprive, 'take ... Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/1747/4