defeasance

[ dih-fee-zuh ns ]
/ dɪˈfi zəns /

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

OTHER WORDS FROM defeasance

non·de·fea·sance, noun

Example sentences from the Web for defeasance

British Dictionary definitions for defeasance

defeasance
/ (dɪˈfiːzəns) /

noun mainly law

the act or process of rendering null and void; annulment
  1. a condition, the fulfilment of which renders a deed void
  2. the document containing such a condition

Word Origin for defeasance

C14: from Old French, from desfaire to defeat