Desuetude

/ˈdɛswɪtjuːd/ · noun

Meaning

(uncountable) The state when something (for example, a custom or a law) is no longer observed nor practised; disuse, obsolescence..

Definitions by Sense

1. (uncountable) The state when something (for example, a custom or a law) is no longer observed nor practised; disuse, obsolescence.
2. (countable, obsolete) Chiefly followed by from or of: a cessation of practising or using something.

Example Sentences

And they being in a capacity to forget by reaſon of deſuetude, it will be a nevv pleaſure to them to recall to minde their almoſt obliterate ſpeculations.

For whatſoever is derived from the law of God cannot by men admit variety, nor ſuffer diminution, or goe into deſuetude, or be extinguiſh'd by abrogation: […]

We ſee in all things how deſuetude do's contract and narrow our faculties, ſo that we may apprehend only thoſe things wherein we are converſant.

Yet ſome of the Privileges [of soldiers] I have mentioned, can certainly take no Place at this Day in any European Nation; ſince they wholly depend upon ſome Roman Conſtitutions and Cuſtoms, that are now every where gone into Deſuetude.

There is no doubt that, by the law of Scotland, an act of parliament may be repealed by deſuetude, or by contrary uſage; but as this is founded on an idea of general aſſent, it is evident that the deſuetude which is to operate as a repeal of a general regulation, muſt itſelf be general; […]

[W]e of the house of Ravenswood do our endeavour in keeping up, by all just and lawful exertion of our baronial authority, that due and fitting connexion betwixt superior and vassal, whilk is in some danger of falling into desuetude, owing to the general license and misrule of these present unhappy times.

These are thing to make modern agriculturists hold up their hands and stare; but the same mode of cultivation is not yet entirely in desuetude in some distant parts of North Britain, and may be witnessed in full force and exercise in the Zetland Archipelago.

The history of Christian doctrine proves that, just as the snake in growing a new skin sloughs off the old, so the Christian consciousness picks its way forward through every narrowing and imprisoning theological construction, breaking its adhesive power and sloughing it off into desuetude.

Synonyms for desuetude

Antonyms for desuetude

Related Words

Word Forms

• desuetudes

Usage Notes

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