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demise definition

de·mise (dē mīz′, di-)

noun

  1. Law a transfer of an estate by lease, esp. for a fixed period
  2. the transfer of sovereignty by death or abdication
  3. a ceasing to exist; death

Etymology: Fr démise, fem. pp. of OFr démettre, to dismiss, put away < L demittere: see demit

transitive verb demised -·mised′, demising -·mis′·ing

  1. to grant or transfer (an estate) by lease, esp. for a fixed period
  2. to transfer (sovereignty) by death or abdication

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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