Abeyance definition : temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension.. See examples of ABEYANCE used in a sentence. ABEYANCE definition : 1. a state of not happening or being used at present: 2. a state of not happening or being used at…. Learn more. Definition of abeyance noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning , pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Abeyance is derived from the French "abaer," meaning "to open wide" and, later, "to expect or await". The Anglo-French meaning that came after describes a sense of longing or expectation—that is ...