Delay referring to grudge (7)
I believe the answer is:
respite
'delay' is the definition.
(respite can mean a delay or postponement)
'referring to grudge' is the wordplay.
'referring to' becomes 're' ('re' means regarding or about).
'grudge' becomes 'spite' (I've seen this in another clue).
're'+'spite'='RESPITE'
(Other definitions for respite that I've seen before include "temporary delay" , "Pause to rest" , "Short period of rest" , "Brief period of rest" , "Pause; reprieve" .)