noun

1. Expectancy; condition of ownership of real property being undetermined; lapse in succession of ownership of estate, or title.

   "The proceeds of the estate shall be held in abeyance in an escrow account until the minor reaches age twenty-one."

2. Suspension; temporary suppression; dormant condition.

3. Expectancy of a title, its right in existence but its exercise suspended.

   "The broad pennant of a commodore first class has been in abeyance since 1958, together with the rank."