a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws; "common law originated in the unwritten laws of England and was later applied in the United States"
the act of freeing a city or town that has been besieged; "he asked for troops for the relief of Atlanta"
aid for the aged or indigent or handicapped; "he has been on relief for many years"
assistance in time of difficulty; "the contributions provided some relief for the victims"
sculpture consisting of shapes carved on a surface so as to stand out from the surrounding background
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced; "as he heard the news he was suddenly flooded with relief"
(law) redress awarded by a court; "was the relief supposed to be protection from future harm or compensation for past injury?"
the condition of being comfortable or relieved (especially after being relieved of distress); "he enjoyed his relief from responsibility"; "getting it off his conscience gave him some ease"
(bridge) a playing card with a value sufficiently high to insure taking a trick in a particular suit; "if my partner has a spade stopper I can bid no trump"
close or secure with or as if with a stopper; "She stoppered the wine bottle"; "The mothers stoppered their babies' mouths with pacifiers"