Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-BEY'ANCE, n. [pron. abáyance; Norm. abbaiaunce, or abaizance, in expectation, boyance, expectation. Qu. Fr. bayer, to gape, to look a long a time with the mouth open; to stand looking in a silly manner; It. badare, to amuse one's self, to stand trilling; “tenere a bada,” to keep at bay; “star a bada,” to stand trifling. If Bd are the radical letters, it seems to belong to the root of abide. See Bay.]

In expectation or contemplation of law. The fee simple or inheritance of lands and tenements is in abeyance, when there is no person in being in whom it can vest; so that it is in a state of expectancy or waiting until is proper person shall appear. Thus if land is leased to a man for life, remainder to another for years, the remainder for years is in abeyance, till the death of the lessee, for life. – Blackstone.