Abeyance

By Deane Barker • •

Definition: A state of temporary disuse or suspension.

Something is “in abeyance” or “held in abeyance” when there is no current assignment of ownership.  A noble title is “in abeyance” when there is no one of the bloodline to claim it, for instance. By the same token, I suppose that consciousness is “in abeyance” while you’re asleep.

Why I Looked It Up

When discussing a notecard system for remembering things:

You don’t need to carry all the cards with you everywhere of course – the abeyance or future-oriented ones can stay in a stack on your desk.

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