clemency

/ˈkle-mən(t)-sē/

noun

  1. disposition to be merciful and especially to moderate the severity of punishment due

  2. an act or instance of leniency

  3. pleasant mildness of weather

The judge ignored the prisoner's pleas for clemency.

The governor's clemencies saved the lives of many death-row prisoners.

mercy charity clemency grace leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it. charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

biographical name

  1. Charles John 1812—1862 Earl Canning British governor-general of India (1856—58); 1st viceroy of India (1858—62)