/ ˈpendɪŋ; NAmE / preposition , adjective
■ preposition
( formal ) while waiting for sth to happen; until sth happens :
He was released on bail pending further inquiries.
■ adjective ( formal )
1.
waiting to be decided or settled :
Nine cases are still pending.
a pending file / tray (= where you put letters, etc. you are going to deal with soon)
2.
going to happen soon
SYN imminent :
An election is pending in Italy.
his pending departure
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: anglicized spelling of French pendant hanging.