Di*vorce" (?), n. [F. divorce, L. divortium, fr. divortere, divertere, to turn different ways, to separate. See Divert.]
1. Law (a)
A legal dissolution of the marriage contract by a court or other body having competent authority. This is properly a divorce, and called, technically, divorce a vinculo matrimonii.
"from the bond of matrimony." (b)
The separation of a married woman from the bed and board of her husband -- divorce a mensa et toro (∨ thoro), "from bed board."
2.
The decree or writing by which marriage is dissolved.
3.
Separation; disunion of things closely united.
To make divorce of their incorporate league.
Shak.
4.
That which separates.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Bill of divorce. See under Bill.
© Webster 1913.
Di*vorce", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Divorced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Divorcing.] [Cf. F. divorcer. See Divorce, n.]
1.
To dissolve the marriage contract of, either wholly or partially; to separate by divorce.
2.
To separate or disunite; to sunder.
It [a word] was divorced from its old sense.
Earle.
3.
To make away; to put away.
Nothing but death
Shall e'er divorce my dignities.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.