ˈpɑ:dn n.,
v., & int. --n. 1
the act of excusing or
forgiving an
offence,
error, etc. 2 (in full
free pardon) a
remission of the
legal consequences of a
crime or
conviction. 3 RC
Ch. an
indulgence. --v.tr. 1
release from the consequences of an offence, error, etc. 2
forgive or
excuse a
person for (an offence etc.). 3
make (esp. courteous) allowances for; excuse. --int. (also pardon me or I
beg your pardon) 1 a
formula of
apology or disagreement. 2 a
request to
repeat something said. øøpardonable adj. pardonably adv. [ME f. OF pardun,
pardoner f. med.L perdonare
concede,
remit (as
PER-, donare give)]