abeyance Hear it!

abeyance definition

abey·ance (ə bā′əns)

noun

  1. temporary suspension, as of an activity or function
  2. Law a state of not having been determined or settled, as of lands the present ownership of which has not been established

Etymology: Anglo-Fr abeiance < OFr abeance, expectation < a-, to, at + bayer, to gape, wait expectantly: see bay

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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