DIVORCE Di*vorce", n. Etym: [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 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.]
Etym: [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 3. To make away; to put away. Nothing but death Shall e'er divorce my dignities. Shak. DIVORCEABLE
Di*vorce"a*ble, a.