Respite

Pronunciation:

\ˈres-pət also ri-ˈspīt, British usually ˈres-ˌpīt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English respit, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin respectus, from Latin, act of looking back — more at respect

Date:

13th century

1 : a period of temporary delay
2 : an interval of rest or relief