acquittance

plural acquittances · alternative acquittaunce

1. countablehistoricaluncountableA writing which is evidence of a discharge; a receipt in full, which bars a further demand.First known use 14th c.

   You can produce acquittances / For such a sum, from special officers.

   c. 1595–1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Loues Labour’s Lost”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene i]

2. archaiccountableuncountablePayment of debt; settlement.First known use 14th c.
3. countablehistoricaluncountableThe release from a debt, or from some obligation or duty; exemption.First known use 14th c.
4. countableobsoleteuncountableThe dismissal of a legal charge against someone; acquittal.First known use 15th–19th c.

   This was a task more difficult than that of self acquittance.

   1791, Ann Radcliffe, The Romance of the Forest, Oxford, published 1999, page 82

   Synonyms: absolution, acquitment, assoilment, absolution, acquitment, acquittal, assoilment, compurgation

5. archaiccountableuncountableThe acquittal of one's duties; the carrying out of fulfilment of a job or role.First known use 17th c.

present singular third person acquittances · participle present acquittancing · participle past acquittanced · past acquittanced · alternative acquittaunce

1. obsoletetransitiveTo acquit.

   Synonyms: assoil, clear, exonerate, assoil, assoilzie, acquit, absolve, clear