from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Suspense \Sus*pense"\, n. [From F. suspens, a. See {Suspense},
a.]
1. The state of being suspended; specifically, a state of
uncertainty and expectation, with anxiety or apprehension;
indetermination; indecision; as, the suspense of a person
waiting for the verdict of a jury.
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Ten days the prophet in suspense remained. --Denham.
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Upon the ticklish balance of suspense. --Cowper.
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2. Cessation for a time; stop; pause.
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A cool suspense from pleasure and from pain. --Pope.
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3. [Cf. F. suspense.] (Law) A temporary cessation of one's
right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of
land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.
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{Suspense account} (Bookkeeping), an account in which
receipts or disbursements are temporarily entered until
their proper position in the books is determined.
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