acquit

verb7

1. •
   To declare or find innocent or not guilty.

   • If he [Francis Bacon] was convicted, it was because it was impossible to acquit him without offering the grossest outrage to justice and common sense. — 1837
2. •
   to discharge, release, or set free from a burden, duty, liability, or obligation, or from an accusation or charge.

   • The jury acquitted the prisoner of the charge.
3. •
   [with oneself] To clear oneself.

   • God forbid any Malice should preuayle, / That faultlesse may condemne a Noble man: / Pray God he may acquit him of suspicion. — 1591
4. •
   [with oneself] To bear or conduct oneself; to perform one's part.

   • The soldier acquitted herself well in battle.
   • The orator acquitted himself very poorly.
5. •
   To discharge (for example, a claim or debt); to clear off, to pay off; to fulfil.

   • Midst foes (as champion of the faith) he ment / That palme or cypress should his paines acquite; […] — 1594
6. •
   (no longer used) To release, to rescue, to set free.

   • But be of cheare, and comfort to you take: / For till I haue acquitt your captiue knight, / Assure your selfe, I will you not forsake. — 1590
7. •
   (no longer used, rare) To pay for; to atone for.

   • For me I am the mistresse of my fate, / And with my trespasse neuer will dispence, / Till life to death acquit my forst offence. — 1594