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