The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Abeyance \A*bey"ance\, n. [OF. abeance expectation, longing; a
   (L. ad) + baer, beer, to gape, to look with open mouth, to
   expect, F. bayer, LL. badare to gape.]
   1. (Law) Expectancy; condition of being undetermined.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: When there is no person in existence in whom an
         inheritance (or a dignity) can vest, it is said to be
         in abeyance, that is, in expectation; the law
         considering it as always potentially existing, and
         ready to vest whenever a proper owner appears.
         --Blackstone.
         [1913 Webster]

   2. Suspension; temporary suppression.
      [1913 Webster]

            Keeping the sympathies of love and admiration in a
            dormant state, or state of abeyance.  --De Quincey.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

abeyance
    n 1: temporary cessation or suspension [syn: abeyance,
         suspension]