Definition of "abeyance"

Yet sometimes the fee may be in abeyance, that is (as the word signifies) in expectation, remembrance, and contemplation in law; there being no person in esse, in whom it can vest and abide […]

1765, William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England

Note: Under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 all territorial claims are held under abeyance in the interest of international co-operation for scientific purposes.

1985 , John Bartholomew & Son Limited, “Antarctica”, in The Times Atlas of the World, 7th comprehensive edition, Times Books Limited, plate 123

Without a plausible explanation for what might have provoked an ice age, the whole theory fell into abeyance.

2003, Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything, BCA, page 376

[...] Prosser was instrumental in the decision in 2010 to recommence publication of an annual health and safety report, following a period when it had fallen into abeyance.

2020 July 29, Ian Prosser discusses with Paul Stephen, “Rail needs robust and strategic plans”, in Rail, page 40

The palace had previously that the duke’s military appointments were in abeyance after he stepped down from public duties in 2019.

2022 January 13, Ben Quinn, “Queen strips Prince Andrew of military roles and royal patronages”, in The Guardian‎