commutation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the travel of a commuter
    commuting.
  2. noun a warrant substituting a lesser punishment for a greater one
  3. noun (law) the reduction in severity of a punishment imposed by law
    re-sentencing.
  4. noun the act of putting one thing or person in the place of another: "he sent Smith in for Jones but the substitution came too late to help"
    exchange; substitution.

WordNet

Com`mu*ta"tion noun
Etymology
L. commutatio: cf. F. commutation.
Definitions
  1. A passing from one state to another; change; alteration; mutation. R.
    So great is the commutation that the soul then hated only that which now only it loves. South.
  2. The act of giving one thing for another; barter; exchange. Obs.
    The use of money is . . . that of saving the commutation of more bulky commodities. Arbuthnot.
  3. (Law) The change of a penalty or punishment by the pardoning power of the State; as, the commutation of a sentence of death to banishment or imprisonment.
    Suits are allowable in the spiritual courts for money agreed to be given as a commutation for penance. Blackstone.
  4. A substitution, as of a less thing for a greater, esp. a substitution of one form of payment for another, or one payment for many, or a specific sum of money for conditional payments or allowances; as, commutation of tithes; commutation of fares; commutation of copyright; commutation of rations.

Webster 1913