n.
Pronunciation: di- ' f ē -z ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English defesance, from Anglo-French, from defesaunt, present participle of defaire
Date: 15th century
1 a (1) : the termination of a property interest in accordance with stipulated conditions (as in a deed) (2) : an instrument stating such conditions of limitation b : a rendering null or void
2 : DEFEAT , OVERTHROW