- reprieve (v.)
- 1570s, "take back to prison," from Middle English repryen "to remand, detain" (late 15c.), probably from Middle French repris, past participle of reprendre "take back" (see reprise). Meaning "to suspend an impending execution" is recorded from 1590s. Sense evolved because being sent back to prison was the alternative to being executed. The noun is first attested 1590s.