quittance

[ kwit-ns ]

noun

1. recompense or requital.
2. discharge from a debt or obligation.
3. a document certifying discharge from debt or obligation, as a receipt.

quittance

/ ˈkwɪtəns /

noun

1. release from debt or other obligation
2. a receipt or other document certifying this

Word History and Origins

Origin of quittance¹

1175–1225; Middle English quitaunce < Old French quitance, equivalent to quit ( er ) to quit ¹ + -ance -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of quittance¹

C13: from Old French, from quitter to release from obligation; see quit

Example Sentences

The bearer of the stamp (tamgh) who by impressing it gave quittance for the payment of tolls and other dues.

From Project Gutenberg

He had earned his quittance, and in the nighttime, upon his hands and knees, he crept from the sleepers in the court.

From Project Gutenberg

If the thing should not come to pass, "omittance is no quittance" (ce qui est différé, n'est pas perdu).

From Project Gutenberg

I know he is in this wood; and he shall never leave it till he give me quittance for the injury he has done me.

From Project Gutenberg

For no tenant, thinks I, will be fool enough to withold payment when he may get his quittance to-morrow for half its value.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• compensation