Amnesty, n.
Etymology: [L. amnestia, Gr. amnistie, earlier amnestie. See Mean, v.]
1. Forgetfulness; cessation of remembrance of wrong; oblivion.
2. An act of the sovereign power granting oblivion, or a general pardon, for a past offense, as to subjects concerned in an insurrection.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Amnesty, v. t. [imp. p. p. Amnestied; p. pr. & vb. n. Amnestying.]
To grant amnesty to.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for amnesty; he lists it under pardon.
Where he writes about it:
Amnesty brings the same idea through the Greek. — from pardon
Pardon affects individuals; amnesty and oblivion are said of great numbers. — from pardon
Pardon is oftenest applied to the ordinary administration of law; amnesty, to national and military affairs. — from pardon
An amnesty is issued after war, insurrection, or rebellion; it is often granted by "an act of oblivion," and includes a full pardon of all offenders who come within its provisions. — from pardon