defeasance

defeasance n. an antiquated word for a document which terminates the effect of an existing writing such as a deed, bond, or contract if some event occurs.

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defeasance noun abolishment, abolition, annulment, breakup, canceling, cancellation, cessation, close, conclusion, deprivation, disallowance, discharge, discontinuance, disendowment, disestablishment, dissolution, end, end of the matter, ending, expiration, finish, invalidation, limit, negation, nullification, ousting, recall, removal, repeal, rescindment, rescission, retractation, retraction, reversion, revocation, revokement, stoppage, suppression, undoing, vacation, voidance, windup, withdrawal
Associated concepts: condition, defeasance clause, defeaaance of contract, defeasance of title, defeasible estate

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See also: abolition, annulment, countermand, discharge, discontinuance, dissolution, repudiation, rescision, revocation, termination

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DEFEASANCE, contracts, conveyancing. An instrument which defeats the force or operation of some other deed or estate. That, which in the same deed is called a condition, in another deed is a defeasance.
     2. Every defeasance must contain proper words, as that the thing shall be void. 2 Salk. 575 Willes, 108; and vide Carth. 64. A defeasance must be made in eodem modo, and by, matter as high as the thing to be defeated; so that if one be by deed) the other must also be by deed. Touchs. 397.
     3. It is a general rule, that the defeasance shall be a part, of the same transaction with the conveyance; though the defeasance may be dated after the deed. 12 Mass. R. 13 Pie P. 413 1 N. 11. Rep. 41; but see 4 Yerg. 57, contra. Vide Bouv. Inst. Index, h.t.; Vin. Ab. h.t.; Com. Dig. h.t.; Id. Pleader, 2 W 35, 2 W 37; Lilly's Reg. h.t.; Nels. Ab. h.t.; 2 Saund. 47 n, note 1; Cruise, Dig. tit. 32, c. 7,, s. 25; 18 John. R. 45; 9 Wend. R. 538; 2 Mass. R. 493.