acquittance
verbEtymology From Anglo-Norman acquitance, Middle French aquitance, from acquiter (“to acquit”). Compare later acquittal.
1
Obsolete To acquit.
acquittance
noun/əˈkwɪtəns/
Etymology From Anglo-Norman acquitance, Middle French aquitance, from acquiter (“to acquit”). Compare later acquittal.
1
Historical A writing which is evidence of a discharge; a receipt in full, which bars a further demand.
- 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
Archaic Payment of debt; settlement.
3
Historical The release from a debt, or from some obligation or duty; exemption.
4
Obsolete The dismissal of a legal charge against someone; acquittal.
- This was a task more difficult than that of self acquittance.1791, Ann Radcliffe, The Romance of the Forest, Oxford, published 1999, page 82:
5
Archaic The acquittal of one's duties; the carrying out of fulfilment of a job or role.