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.
{Angle of commutation} (Astron.), the difference of the
geocentric longitudes of the sun and a planet.
{Commutation of tithes}, the substitution of a regular
payment, chargeable to the land, for the annual tithes in
kind.
{Commutation ticket}, a ticket, as for transportation, which
is the evidence of a contract for service at a reduced
rate. See 2d {Commute}, 2.