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Webster 1913 Edition

Abeyance

A-bey′ance

,
Noun.
[OF.
abeance
expectation, longing;
a
(L.
ad
) +
baer
,
beer
, to gape, to look with open mouth, to expect, F.
bayer
, LL.
badare
to gape.]
1.
(Law)
Expectancy; condition of being undetermined.
☞ When there is no person in existence in whom an inheritance (or a dignity) can vest, it is said to be in abeyance, that is, in expectation; the law considering it as always potentially existing, and ready to vest whenever a proper owner appears.
Blackstone.
2.
Suspension; temporary suppression.
Keeping the sympathies of love and admiration in a dormant state, or state of
abeyance
.
De Quincey.

Webster 1828 Edition

Abeyance

ABEY'ANCE

,
Noun.
pron. abayance. [Norm. abbaiaunce, or abaizance, in expectation; boyance, expectation. Qu. Fr. bayer, to gape, to look a long time with the mouth open; to stand looking in a silly manner. [See Bay]
In expectation or contemplation of law. The fee simple or inheritance of lands and tenements is in abeyance, when there is no person in being in whom it can vest; so that it is in a state of expectancy or waiting until a proper person shall appear. Thus if land is leased to a man for life, remainder to another for years, the remainder for years is in abeyance, till the death of the lessee, for life.

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