defeasance

noun

de·​fea·​sance di-ˈfē-zən(t)s How to pronounce defeasance (audio)
1
a(1)
: the termination of a property interest in accordance with stipulated conditions (as in a deed)
(2)
: an instrument stating such conditions of limitation
b
: a rendering null or void
2

Examples of defeasance in a Sentence

the kind of gross misconduct that could result in the defeasance of the athlete's contract to endorse their products
Recent Examples on the Web A couple of other candidates lurk in the wings, but SOFR is achieving the most traction, according to Rob Finlay, founder of Thirty Capital, LLC, a defeasance and derivative consulting firm. Joshua Stein, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defeasance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English defesaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French defaisaunce, defesaunce "undoing, ruin, annulling of a document, condition in the document activating the annulment," from defesaunt, present participle of defaire, desfaire "to undo, put an end to, destroy, nullify" + -aunce -ance — more at defeat entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of defeasance was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near defeasance

Cite this Entry

“Defeasance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defeasance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

defeasance

noun
de·​fea·​sance di-ˈfē-zəns How to pronounce defeasance (audio)
1
a
: a condition (as in a deed or will) that upon fulfillment terminates a property interest
b
: an instrument setting forth such a condition
2
: a rendering null or void
Etymology

Anglo-French defesance, literally, undoing, destruction, from Old French deffesant, present participle of deffaire to destroy, undo see defeat

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