abeyance
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


abey·ance

noun \ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s\

Definition of ABEYANCE

1
: a lapse in succession during which there is no person in whom a title is vested
2
: temporary inactivity : suspension
abey·ant \-ənt\ adjective

Examples of ABEYANCE

  1. <our weekend plans were held in abeyance until we could get a weather forecast>

Origin of ABEYANCE

Anglo-French, from Old French abaer to expect, await, literally, to gape, from a- + baer to gape, yawn — more at BAY
First Known Use: 1640

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

abey·ance

noun \ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ABEYANCE

: temporary inactivity or suspension (as of function or a symptom)

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: abeyancy
Previous Word in the Dictionary: ab extra
All Words Near: abeyance

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up abeyance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

#6: Flabbergast
: to overwhelm with shock,
surprise, or wonder
See All Top 25 Entries »
Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More