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.