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

We will acknowledge your title as good, and we will demand of you quittance for the above sum, which you will grant us as king of France.

From Project Gutenberg

We were well quit of George Glen and his gang, though the price of the quittance was heavy.

From Project Gutenberg

When Khayyam quittance at Death's hand receives, And sheds his outworn life, as trees their leaves, Full gladly will he sift this world away, Ere dustmen sift his ashes in their sieves.

From Project Gutenberg

"All the more pleasure in receiving it," and placing a couple of gold pieces on the table, I received my quittance and change.

From Project Gutenberg

Lane smiled almost affably as he tossed the quittances upon the table.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• compensation