Par·don, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pardoned p. pr. & vb. n. Pardoning.]
1. To absolve from the consequences of a fault or the punishment of crime; to free from penalty; -- applied to the offender.
In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant. --2 Kings v. 18.
I pray you, pardon me; pray heartily, pardon me. --Shak.
2. To remit the penalty of; to suffer to pass without punishment; to forgive; -- applied to offenses.
I pray thee, pardon my sin. --1 Sam. xv. 25.
Apollo, pardon
My great profaneness 'gainst thine oracle! --Shak.
3. To refrain from exacting as a penalty.
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it. --Shak.
4. To give leave (of departure) to. [Obs.]
Even now about it! I will pardon you. --Shak.
Pardon me, forgive me; excuse me; -- a phrase used also to express courteous denial or contradiction, or to request forgiveness for a mild transgression, such as bumping a person while passing.
Syn: -- To forgive; absolve; excuse; overlook; remit; acquit. See Excuse.
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Par·don·ing, a. Relating to pardon; having or exercising the right to pardon; willing to pardon; merciful; as, the pardoning power; a pardoning God.
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