PRETERITE
Pret"er*ite, a. & n.

Defn: Same as Preterit.

PRETERITENESS
Pret"er*ite*ness, n.

Defn: Same as Preteritness.

PRETERITION
Pre`ter*i"tion, n. Etym: [L. praeteritio: cf. F. prétérition.]

1. The act of passing, or going past; the state of being past. Bp. Hall.

2. (Rhet.)

Defn: A figure by which, in pretending to pass over anything, a summary mention of it is made; as, "I will not say, he is valiant, he is learned, he is just." Called also paraleipsis.

3. (Law)

Defn: The omission by a testator of some one of his heirs who is entitled to a portion. Bouvier.