1275–1325; (v.) Middle English redressen < Middle French redresser, Old French redrecier, equivalent to re- re- + drecier to straighten (see dress); (noun) Middle English < Anglo-French redresse, redresce, derivative of the v.

1. restoration, remedy, atonement. Redress, reparation, restitution suggest making amends or giving indemnification for a wrong. Redress may refer either to the act of setting right an unjust situation (as by some power), or to satisfaction sought or gained for a wrong suffered: the redress of grievances. Reparation means compensation or satisfaction for a wrong or loss inflicted. The word may have the moral idea of amends: to make reparation for one's neglect; but more frequently it refers to financial compensation (which is asked for, rather than given): the reparations demanded of the aggressor nations. Restitution means literally the restoration of what has been taken from the lawful owner: He demanded restitution of his land; it may also refer to restoring the equivalent of what has been taken: They made him restitution for his land. 5. amend, mend, emend, right, rectify, adjust. 6. ease.

First recorded in 1730–40; re- + dress