Forgave (8)
'forgave' is the definition.
(pardoning is a kind of forgiving)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for pardoned that I've seen before include "Forgave, absolved" , "Forgiven" .)
'forgave' is the definition.
(excusing is a kind of forgiving)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for excused that I've seen before include "Given permission to leave, or pardoned" , "Overlooked offence or released from duty" , "Let off (a duty)" , "Made allowances for" , "Forgiven" .)