First Known Use: 1640
Dictionary
abeyance
noun abey·ance \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
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Origin of ABEYANCE
Anglo-French, from Old French abaer to expect, await, literally, to gape, from a- + baer to gape, yawn — more at BAY
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
Medical Dictionary
abeyance
noun abey·ance \ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s\
Medical Definition of ABEYANCE
: temporary inactivity or suspension (as of function or a symptom)
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