palliation

[ pal-ee-ey-shuhn ]

noun

the act or process of relieving a patient’s suffering without curing the disease that is causing it:The Academy provides authoritative, evidence-based advice to support policy for the prevention, management, and palliation of cancer.
the act of mitigating or concealing the gravity of an offense by excuses, apologies, etc.:No matter how events are viewed, there is no palliation for such crimes as the recent massacre of an entire family.

Origin of palliation

First recorded in 1400–50, for a previous sense; palliat(e) + -ion

palliation may be found for the alleged arson mentioned in the catalogue of complaints that have excited British indignation.
Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No 3, September 1863 | Various
There was no excuse or palliation for this abominable persecution any more than there was for the burning of John Huss.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume VII | John Lord
Yet the question would be answered; and without palliation, self-excusing, or retort, he meditated.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 14, No. 86, December, 1864 | Various
For the one, as we have been showing, there is a strong plea in palliation; for the other there is none.
The Posthumous Works of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. 1 (2 vols) | Thomas De Quincey
In this case of Louisiana there can be neither excuse nor palliation for the misconduct of the Returning Board.
The Vote That Made the President | David Dudley Field

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