Divorce
(Di*vorce") n. [F. divorce, L. divortium, fr. divortere, divertere, to turn different ways, to separate.
See Divert.]
1. (Law) (a) A legal dissolution of the marriage contract by a court or other body having competent
authority. This is properly a divorce, and called, technically, divorce a vinculo matrimonii. "from the
bond of matrimony." (b) The separation of a married woman from the bed and board of her husband —
divorce a mensa et toro (or thoro), "from bed and board."
2. The decree or writing by which marriage is dissolved.
3. Separation; disunion of things closely united.
To make divorce of their incorporate league.
Shak. 4. That which separates. [Obs.] Shak.
Bill of divorce. See under Bill.
Divorce
(Di*vorce"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Divorced ; p. pr. & vb. n. Divorcing.] [Cf. F. divorcer. See
Divorce, n.]
1. To dissolve the marriage contract of, either wholly or partially; to separate by divorce.
2. To separate or disunite; to sunder.
It [a word] was divorced from its old sense.
Earle. 3. To make away; to put away.
Nothing but death
Shall e'er divorce my dignities.
Shak.
