Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pardon \Par"don\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Pardoned}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Pardoning}.] [Either fr. pardon, n., or from F.
   pardonner, LL. perdonare; L. per through, thoroughly,
   perfectly + donare to give, to present. See {Par-}, and
   {Donation}.]
   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, pardom 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 S??. 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.

   Syn: To forgive; absolve; excuse; overlook; remit; acquit.
        See {Excuse}.