durance

noun

du·​rance ˈdu̇r-ən(t)s How to pronounce durance (audio)
 also  ˈdyu̇r-
1
archaic : endurance
2
: restraint by or as if by physical force
usually used in the phrase durance vile

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, duration, from Anglo-French, from durer to last from Latin durare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near durance

Cite this Entry

“Durance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/durance. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

durance

noun
du·​rance ˈd(y)u̇r-ən(t)s How to pronounce durance (audio)
: the state of being restrained by or as if by physical force

More from Merriam-Webster on durance

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!