Acquit
ACQUIT', verb transitive [Latin cedo.]
To set free; to release or discharge from an obligation, accusation, guilt, censure, suspicion, or whatever lies upon a person as a charge or duty; as, the jury acquitted the prisoner; we acquit a man of evil intentions. It is followed by of before the object; to acquit from is obsolete. In a reciprocal sense, as, the soldier acquitted himself well in battle, the word has a like sense, implying the discharge of a duty or obligation. Hence its use in expressing excellence in performance; as the orator acquitted himself well, that is, in a manner that his situation and public expectation demanded.
ACQUIT'MENT, noun The act of acquitting, or state of being acquitted. [This word is superseded by acquittal.]
ACQUIT'TAL, noun A judicial setting free, or deliverance from the charge of an offense; as, by verdict of a jury, or sentence of a court.
The acquittal of a principal operates as an acquittal of the accessories.
ACQUIT'TANCE, noun
1. A discharge or release from a debt.
2. The writing, which is evidence of a discharge; a receipt in full, which bars a further demand.
ACQUIT'TED, participle passive Set free, or judicially discharge from an accusation; released from a debt, duty, obligation, charge, or suspicion of guilt.
ACQUIT'TING, participle present tense Setting free from accusation; releasing from a charge, obligation, or suspicion of guilt.