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noun

abeyance

Abeyance (noun) means Expectancy; a condition when an ownership of real property is undetermined; lapse in succession of ownership of estate, or title.

noun
1
Expectancy; a condition when an ownership of real property is undetermined; lapse in succession of ownership of estate, or title.
2
Suspension; temporary suppression; dormant condition.
3
Expectancy of a noble or armigeral title, its right in existence but its exercise suspended.
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Etymology

First attested in 1528. From Anglo-Norman abeiance (“legal expectation”), from Old French abeance (“desire”) from abeër (“to gape at, aspire after”), abaer, abair (“to desire”), from a (“to”) + baër (“to gape”), bair (“yawn”), from Medieval Latin batō (“to yawn”).

Rhymes for abeyance

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of abeyance?

"abeyance" (noun) means expectancy; a condition when an ownership of real property is undetermined; lapse in succession of ownership of estate, or title.

What are the different meanings of abeyance?

"abeyance" has 3 main meanings: 1. Expectancy; a condition when an ownership of real property is undetermined; lapse in succession of ownership of estate, or title; 2. Suspension; temporary suppression; dormant condition; 3. Expectancy of a noble or armigeral title, its right in existence but its exercise suspended.

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