ˈnīˌsī, ˈnē(ˌ)sē adjective
Etymology: Latin, unless, from ne- not + si if — more at no
: not final or absolute — used in law to denote that a rule, decree, or order shall take effect at a given time unless before that time it is modified or avoided by cause shown or further proceedings or by the fulfillment of some condition therein named
the decree is nisi and not absolute — Economist
a rule nisi
— compare decree nisi