/pen"ding/ , prep.
1. while awaiting; until: pending his return.
2. in the period before the decision or conclusion of; during: pending the negotiations.
adj.
3. remaining undecided; awaiting decision or settlement; unfinished: pending business; pending questions; pending litigation.
4. about to take place; impending.
[ 1635-45; PEND + -ING 2 , on the model of F pendant (see PENDENT) ]