commutation

Definition

Substitution of one thing for another; interchange.

Etymology

From French commutation, from Latin commūtātiōnem, accusative singular of commūtātiō.

Example Sentences

• "Professor Postan has argued in favour of a rapid move towards commutation in the twelfth century which slackened or even went into reverse in the course of the thirteenth."
• "Monsieur the Marquis de Sade [was] now holed up in one of his châteaux while his wife worked for the commutation of a sentence passed on him recently for poisoning and buggery."