/nooh"seuhns, nyooh"-/ , n.
1. an obnoxious or annoying person, thing, condition, practice, etc.: a monthly meeting that was more nuisance than pleasure.
2. Law. something offensive or annoying to individuals or to the community, esp. in violation of their legal rights.
[ 1375-1425; late ME nu ( i ) sa ( u ) nce nuis ( er ) to harm ( nocere ) + -ance -ANCE ]