Definition of "pardon" []

• To release (a person) from punishment; exempt from penalty: a convicted criminal who was pardoned by the governor. (verb-transitive)
• To let (an offense) pass without punishment. (verb-transitive)
• To make courteous allowance for; excuse: Pardon me, I'm in a hurry. See Synonyms at forgive. (verb-transitive)
• The act of pardoning. (noun)
• Law Exemption of a convicted person from the penalties of an offense or crime by the power of the executor of the laws. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Fear not -- They were afraid that they should not obtain pardon from the Chaldeans for their acts."
• "I am not an expert in this are, but to my knowledge once a pardon is actually executed, it is irrevocable."
• "Under Biddle a pardon is a public act, no need for delivery."