Legal Dictionary
Main Entry:
ten·urePronunciation:
'ten-y&rFunction:
nounEtymology: Anglo-French, feudal holding, from Old French
teneüre, from Medieval Latin
tenitura, ultimately from Latin
tenEre to hold
1 : the act, manner, duration, or right of holding something <
tenure of office>;
specifically : the manner of holding real property
: the title and conditions by which property is held
tenure>
2 : a status granted to a teacher usually after a probationary period that protects him or her from dismissal except for reasons of incompetence, gross misconduct, or financial necessity —te·nur·ial /te-'nyur-E-&l/ adjective —te·nur·ial·ly /-&-lE/ adverb