Par·don, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pardoned p. pr. & vb. n. Pardoning.]
 1. To absolve from the consequences of a fault or the punishment of crime; to free from penalty; -- applied to the offender.
    In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant.   --2 Kings v. 18.
    I pray you, pardon me; pray heartily, pardon me.   --Shak.
 2. To remit the penalty of; to suffer to pass without punishment; to forgive; -- applied to offenses.
    I pray thee, pardon my sin.   --1 Sam. xv. 25.
 Apollo, pardon
 My great profaneness 'gainst thine oracle!   --Shak.
 3. To refrain from exacting as a penalty.
    I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.   --Shak.
 4. To give leave (of departure) to. [Obs.]
    Even now about it! I will pardon you.   --Shak.
 Pardon me, forgive me; excuse me; -- a phrase used also to express courteous denial or contradiction, or to request forgiveness for a mild transgression, such as bumping a person while passing.
 Syn: -- To forgive; absolve; excuse; overlook; remit; acquit. See Excuse.

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