acquit legal definition

verb

1. In criminal law, to clear a person, to release or set him free, or to discharge him from an accusation of committing a criminal offense after a judicial finding that he is not guilty of the crime or after the court or prosecution determines that the case should not continue after the criminal trial has started. See also autrefois acquit and double jeopardy.
2. In contract law, to pay or discharge a debt, duty, or a claim.