KJV Dictionary Definition: acquit

acquit

ACQUIT', v.t. L. 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 It is followed by of before the object; to acquit from is obsolete.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.

acquitment

ACQUIT'MENT, n. The act of acquitting, or state of being acquitted. This word is superseded by acquittal.

acquitted

ACQUIT'TED, pp. Set free, or judicially discharge from an accusation; released from a debt, duty, obligation, charge, or suspicion of guilt.

acquitting

ACQUIT'TING, ppr. Setting free from accusation; releasing from a charge, obligation, or suspicion of guilt.