[mass noun]a state of temporary disuse or suspension 暂时搁置,暂缓 matters were held in abeyance pending further enquiries. 问题被搁置,有待进一步调查。 ■(Law)the position of being without, or waiting for, an owner or claimant (律)归属待定
派生 abeyant adjective 语源
late 16th cent. (in the legal sense): from Old French abeance 'aspiration to a title', from abeer 'aspire after', from a- 'towards' + beer 'to gape'