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abeyance

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abeyance

Main Entry:: abey·ance
Pronunciation:: \ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Anglo-French, from Old French abaer to expect, await, literally, to gape, from a- + baer to gape, yawn — more at BAY
Date:: 1640

1 : a lapse in succession during which there is no person in whom a title is vested 2 : temporary inactivity : suspension

— abey·ant

Listen to the pronunciation of abeyant

\-ənt\ adjective

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