abeyance

plural abeyances

1. countableuncountablelawExpectancy; a condition when an ownership of real property is undetermined; lapse in succession of ownership of estate, or title.First known use Late 16ᵗʰ century

   The proceeds of the estate shall be held in abeyance in an escrow account until the minor reaches age twenty-one.

   2 more examples

   Yet sometimes the fee may be in abeyance, that is (as the word signifies) in expectation, remembrance, and contemplation in law; there being no person in esse, in whom it can vest and abide […]

   1765, William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England

   Note: Under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 all territorial claims are held under abeyance in the interest of international co-operation for scientific purposes.

   1985 [1967], John Bartholomew & Son Limited, “Antarctica”, in The Times Atlas of the World, 7th comprehensive edition, Times Books Limited, →ISBN, plate 123

2. countableuncountableSuspension; temporary suppression; dormant condition.First known use Mid 17ᵗʰ century

   Without a plausible explanation for what might have provoked an ice age, the whole theory fell into abeyance.

   2003, Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything, BCA, page 376

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   [...] Prosser was instrumental in the decision in 2010 to recommence publication of an annual health and safety report, following a period when it had fallen into abeyance.

   2020 July 29, Ian Prosser discusses with Paul Stephen, “Rail needs robust and strategic plans”, in Rail, page 40

   The palace had previously that the duke’s military appointments were in abeyance after he stepped down from public duties in 2019.

   2022 January 13, Ben Quinn, “Queen strips Prince Andrew of military roles and royal patronages”, in The Guardian

   Friday’s announcement that Andrew’s dukedom, other titles and his Order of the Garter knighthood would be put in abeyance with immediate effect – extant but inactive, much as his HRH title has been since the Virginia Giuffre scandal broke six years ago – may be seen by some within Buckingham Palace as a solution.

   2025 October 20, Caroline Davies, “Dealing with ‘Andrew problem’ could help ease William’s accession to the throne”, in The Guardian, →ISSN

3. countableuncountableExpectancy of a noble or armigeral title, its right in existence but its exercise suspended.

   The broad pennant of a commodore first class has been in abeyance since 1958, together with the rank.