Com`mu*ta"tion (?), n. [L. commutatio: cf. F. commutation.]
1.
A passing from one state to another; change; alteration; mutation.
[R.]
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.
© Webster 1913.