Forgiveness, n.
Etymology: [AS. forgifnes.]
1. The act of forgiving; the state of being forgiven; as, the forgiveness of sin or of injuries. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses. Dan. ix. 9. In whom we have . . . the forgiveness of sin. Eph. i. 7.
2. Disposition to pardon; willingness to forgive. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. Ps. cxxx. 3, 4.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for forgiveness; he lists it under mercy, pardon.
Where he writes about it:
Grace is favor, kindness, or blessing shown to the undeserving; forgiveness, mercy, and pardon are exercised toward the ill-deserving. — from mercy
Pardon remits the outward penalty which the offender deserves; forgiveness dismisses resentment or displeasure from the heart of the one offended; mercy seeks the highest possible good of the offender. — from mercy