Main Entry: ¹par·don

Pronunciation: \ˈpär-d^ən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French pardun, pardoun, from parduner

Date: 14th century

1 : indulgence 1
2 : the excusing of an offense without exacting a penalty
3 a : a release from the legal penalties of an offense b : an official warrant of remission of penalty
4 : excuse or forgiveness for a fault, offense, or discourtesy <I beg your pardon>