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.
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.
