persistent cruelty

noun

1. law conduct causing fear of danger to the life or health of a spouse (used in matrimonial proceedings before magistrates)

Example Sentences

I have a daughter—the lawful heiress of the Kurston lands—whom my wife drove, by subtle and persistent cruelty, from her home.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing in the entire system of creation can be more inexplicable than the persistent cruelty of Nature.

From Project Gutenberg