Acquittance is a term that is often used in legal and financial contexts. It refers to the release or discharge of a debt or obligation, usually by means of a written document. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acquittance, its origin, and its associations in different contexts.
Definitions
Acquittance is defined as a written document or receipt that acknowledges the receipt of payment or the release of a debt. It can also refer to the act of releasing or discharging a debt or obligation. In legal terms, an acquittance is a document that releases a person from liability for a particular debt or obligation.
Origin
The word acquittance comes from the Old French word aquiter, which means “to release” or “to discharge.” It was first used in English in the 14th century and has been used in legal and financial contexts ever since.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, acquittance is defined as “a release or discharge from a debt or obligation, usually given in writing.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a document or receipt acknowledging payment or discharge of a debt.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a document that proves that someone has paid for something or that a debt has been paid.”
Associations
Acquittance is often associated with legal and financial contexts, such as the payment of debts, the settlement of accounts, and the release of liabilities. It is also associated with the concept of forgiveness or pardon, as in the phrase “to grant someone an acquittance.”
Synonyms
Synonyms of acquittance include discharge, release, exoneration, liberation, and remission.
Antonyms
Antonyms of acquittance include indebtedness, liability, obligation, and responsibility.
The same root words
The same root words as acquittance include acquit, which means to declare someone innocent or not guilty, and quit, which means to leave or resign from a job or position.
Example Sentences
- I received an acquittance for the payment of my mortgage.
- The company issued an acquittance for the settlement of their accounts.
- The judge granted an acquittance to the defendant in the case.
- The debtor was relieved of his obligation after receiving an acquittance.
- The landlord issued an acquittance for the rent payment.