Ac·quit, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Acquitted; p. pr. & vb. n. Acquitting.]
1. To discharge, as a claim or debt; to clear off; to pay off; to requite.
A responsibility that can never be absolutely acquitted. --I. Taylor.
2. To pay for; to atone for. [Obs.]
3. To set free, release or discharge from an obligation, duty, liability, burden, or from an accusation or charge; -- now followed by of before the charge, formerly by from; as, the jury acquitted the prisoner; we acquit a man of evil intentions.
4. Reflexively: (a) To clear one's self. --Shak. (b) To bear or conduct one's self; to perform one's part; as, the soldier acquitted himself well in battle; the orator acquitted himself very poorly.
Syn: -- To absolve; clear; exonerate; exonerate; exculpate; release; discharge. See Absolve.
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acquit
v 1: pronounce not guilty of criminal charges; "The suspect was
cleared of the murder charges" [syn: assoil, clear,
discharge, exonerate, exculpate] [ant: convict]
2: behave in a certain manner; "She carried herself well"; "he
bore himself with dignity"; "They conducted themselves
well during these difficult times" [syn: behave, bear,
deport, conduct, comport, carry]
[also: acquitting, acquitted]