ˈliˈspenˌdenz noun
Etymology: Latin
1. : a pending lawsuit
2. : a written notice usually required by law to be recorded in a public registry office of a pending lawsuit identifying the principals, the court, and the specific property in controversy
3. : the legal doctrine that one dealing with or purchasing an interest in property involved in pending litigation with actual or constructive knowledge of the existence of that litigation is subject to all the rights of others adjudicated in that litigation