GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Divorce , n. [F. divorce, L. divortium, fr. divortere, divertere, to turn different ways, to separate. See Divert.]
   (Law) (a) A legal dissolution of the marriage contract by a court or other body having competent authority. This is properly a divorce, and called, technically, divorce a vinculo matrimonii. “from the bond of matrimony.” (b) The separation of a married woman from the bed and board of her husband -- divorce a mensa et toro (or a mensa et thoro), “from bed and board”.
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   The decree or writing by which marriage is dissolved.
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   Separation; disunion of things closely united.
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   To make divorce of their incorporate league.
   Shak.
   
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   That which separates. [Obs.]
   Shak.
   
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   Bill of divorce. See under Bill.
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2.       
   Divorce, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Divorced ; p. pr. & vb. n. Divorcing.] [Cf. F. divorcer. See Divorce, n.]
   To dissolve the marriage contract of, either wholly or partially; to separate by divorce.
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   To separate or disunite; to sunder.
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   It [a word] was divorced from its old sense.
   Earle.
   
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   To make away; to put away.
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   Nothing but death
   Shall e'er divorce my dignities.
   Shak.
   
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