abeyance
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
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
See Examples of ABEYANCE
- <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
Related to ABEYANCE
- Synonyms
- cold storage, deep freeze, doldrums, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation, suspense, suspension
- Antonyms
- continuance, continuation
Other Legal Terms
abey·ance
noun \ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of ABEYANCE
: temporary inactivity or suspension (as of function or a symptom)
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