Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SEV'ER-ANCE, n.

Separation; the act of dividing or disuniting. The severance of a jointure is made by destroying the unity of interest. Thus when there are two joint-tenants for life, and the inheritance is purchased by or descends upon either, it is a severance. So also when two persons are joined in a writ, and one is nonsuited; in this case severance is permitted, and the other plaintif may proceed in the suit. So also in assize when two or more disseizees appear upon the writ, and not the other, severance is permitted. – Blackstone. Encyc.