Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

In order to correct or prevent misconceptions some preliminary observation should be made: first, that reprieve, the postponement of execution of the judgment, is not a suspension of the judgment itself, the distinction being that the postponement merely puts off or defers the execution of the judgment to a certain day, while suspension of the judgment is for an indefinite time (Carnal vs. People, 1 N. Y., Parker Cr. R., 262); second, that postponement of execution of the judgment does not in any way affect the executory nature thereof, and it will be carried out on the day to which it has been set forward. What is done is to defer or postpone the execution. (G.R. No. L-10543 - Lawphil)

reprieve: a temporary delay in imposition of the death penalty (a punishment which cannot be reduced afterwards) by the executive order of the Governor of the state. (The Free Dictionary by Farlex)

The term used in the relevant section of the Code is the Judge "may respite the execution of the sentence." In criminal law "respite" is defined to mean a temporary suspension of the execution of a sentence, a delay, forbearance, or continuation of time. In Mishler v. The Commonwealth (1869), 62 Pa. 60, it was held to mean an interval, a reprieve, suspension of a capital sentence, a delay, forbearance. One standard dictionary defines it as a putting off of that which was appointed, and gives as synonymous a pause, interval, stop, cessation, delay, postponement, a stay. It if often said in popular language of one who is ill, and who has an interval of relief from suffering, that he has had a respite therefrom, meaning that his sufferings had ceased for a time. (Canadian criminal cases annotated)