defeasance

[dih-fee-zuh ns]

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noun Law.

a rendering null and void.

a condition on the performance of which a deed or other instrument is defeated or rendered void.

a collateral deed or other writing embodying such a condition.

Origin of defeasance

1400–50; late Middle English defesance < Anglo-French defesaunce, Old French defesance, equivalent to desfes- (past participle stem of desfaire to undo; see defeat) + -ance -ance

Related formsnon·de·fea·sance, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for defeasance

abolishment, abolition, abrogation, cancellation, dissolution, invalidation, nullification, reversal, voidance

Examples from the Web for defeasance

Historical Examples of defeasance

This condition is known as the defeasance because it defeats or undoes the bond.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 2
Various
It must be of a thing defeasible, and all the conditions must be strictly carried out before the defeasance can be consummated.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 10
Various
Defeasance in a bill of sale is the putting an end to the security by realizing the goods for the benefit of the mortgagee.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 10
Various

British Dictionary definitions for defeasance

defeasance

noun mainly law

the act or process of rendering null and void; annulment

a condition, the fulfilment of which renders a deed void
the document containing such a condition

Word Origin for defeasance

C14: from Old French, from desfaire to defeat

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for defeasance

early 15c., from Anglo-French defesaunce, Old French desfaisance "undoing, destruction," from desfaire (Modern French défaire) "to undo, destroy" (see defeat (v.)). Related: Defease; defeasible.