a·bey·ance

[uh-bey-uhns]
noun
1.
temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension: Let's hold that problem in abeyance for a while.
2.
Law. a state or condition of real property in which title is not as yet vested in a known titleholder: an estate in abeyance.

Origin:
1520–30; < Anglo-French; Old French abeance aspiration, literally, a gaping at or toward. See a-5, bay2, -ance


1. remission, deferral.
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World English Dictionary
abeyance (əˈbeɪəns) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n (usually preceded by in or into)
1.  a state of being suspended or put aside temporarily
2.  (usually preceded by in) law an indeterminate state of ownership, as when the person entitled to an estate has not been ascertained
 
[C16-17: from Anglo-French, from Old French abeance expectation, literally a gaping after, a reaching towards]
 
a'beyant
 
adj

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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00:10
Abeyance is a GRE word you need to know.
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a loud, confused noise; a continued loud or tumultuous sound; noisy clamor.
inflated, overblown, or pompous; bombastic:
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

abeyance
1520s, from Anglo-Fr. abeiance "suspension," also "expectation (especially in a lawsuit)," from O.Fr. abeance "aspiration, desire," noun of condition of abeer "aspire after, gape" from à "at" + ba(y)er "be open," from L. *batare "to yawn, gape" (see abash). Originally
in O.Fr. a legal term, "condition of a person in expectation or hope of receiving property;" it turned around in Eng. law to mean "condition of property temporarily without an owner" (1650s). Root baer is also the source of English bay (2) "recessed space," as in "bay window."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Prosecutors often hold such lesser charges in abeyance for six months and then
  dismiss them if defendants stay out of trouble.
Royal ceremonies had fallen into abeyance, and the throne's political influence
  had atrophied.
This proceeding was held in abeyance pending outcome of the antitrust suit.
Since then, his famous temper has been in abeyance.
Synonyms
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