A definite sentence whereby a man accused of any crime is acquitted. In the civil law. A sentence whereby a party accused is declared innocent of the crime laid to his charge. In eanon law. A juridical act whereby the clergy declare that the sins of such as are penitent are remitted. In French, law. The dismissal of an accusation. The term “acquitment” is employed when the accused is declared not guilty and “absolution” when he is recognized as guilty but the act is not punishable by law, or he is exonerated by some defect of intention or will.