Noun

(en noun)

A brief interval of rest or relief.

* Denham

Some pause and respite only I require.

* Shakespeare

I crave but four day's respite .

*, chapter=10

, title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=It was a joy to snatch some brief respite , and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.}}

* 2013 May 23, (Sarah Lyall), " British Leader’s Liberal Turn Sets Off a Rebellion in His Party," New York Times (retrieved 29 May 2013):

Mr. Cameron had a respite Thursday from the negative chatter swirling around him when he appeared outside 10 Downing Street to denounce the murder a day before of a British soldier on a London street.

(legal) A reprieve, especially from a sentence of death.

(legal) The delay of appearance at court granted to a jury beyond the proper term.

Noun

(en noun)

Freedom from some business or activity.

(obsolete) Free time given over to a specific purpose; occupation, activity.

*, II.28:

The first exploited his, sundrie waies, and excelleth in military exploits, and utilitie of his publike vacations .

A period during which official activity or business is formally suspended; an official holiday from university, law courts etc.

(North America) A holiday; a stretch of leisure time away from work or duty and devoted to rest or pleasure.

The act of vacating something; moving out.

The Conservative Party’s vacation of the centre ground gave an opportunity to its opponents.

(US, legal) The act of making legally void.