Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RES'PIT, n. [Fr. repit.]

1. Pause; temporary intermission of labor, or of any process or operation; interval of rest. Some pause and respit only I require. – Denham.
2. In law, reprieve; temporary suspension of the execution of a capital offender. – Milton. Prior.
3. Delay; forbearance; prolongation of time for the payment of a debt beyond the legal time.
4. The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury, beyond the proper term. – Blackstone.