Par″don (pär″d'n), n. [F., fr. pardonner to pardon. See Pardon, v. t.] 1. The act of pardoning; forgiveness, as of an offender, or of an offense; release from penalty; remission of punishment; absolution.
Pardon, my lord, for me and for my tidings. Shak.
But infinite in pardon was my judge. Milton.
Used in expressing courteous denial or contradiction; as, I crave your pardon; or in indicating that one has not understood another; as, I beg pardon.
2. An official warrant of remission of penalty.
Sign me a present pardon for my brother. Shak.
3. The state of being forgiven. South.
4. (Law) A release, by a sovereign, or officer having jurisdiction, from the penalties of an offense, being distinguished from amnesty, which is a general obliteration and canceling of a particular line of past offenses.
Syn. — Forgiveness; remission. See Forgiveness.