ˈsev(ə)rən(t)s, -vərn- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English severaunce, from Middle French sevrance, severance, from sevrer, severer to sever + -ance — more at sever
1.
a. : the act or process of severing : the state of being severed
control over native affairs and severance of the territory — Manfred Nathan
severance from the authority of traditional organs of government — H.D.Gunn
the unhappy severance of the scholar and the man of letters — F.B.Millett
severance of diplomatic relations — David Lawrence
severance of the leg below the knee
b. : distinction , difference — usually used with between
lines of severance between truth and falsehood — W.E.Gladstone
2. : the division of the provisions, rights, liabilities, or similar legal considerations arising under or in something: as
a. : the destruction of the unity of interest in a joint estate
b. : the separation of two or more parties joined in an action so that one may proceed on the other being nonsuited
c. : the separation of two or more codefendants in a criminal prosecution for separate trial
d. : the detachment of fixtures from realty or of crops, fruits, timber, minerals, or related products from the soil
e. : the termination of a contractual association (as employment)