from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dormancy \Dor"man*cy\, n. [From {Dormant}.]
The state of being dormant; quiescence; abeyance.
[1913 Webster]
It is by lying dormant a long time, or being . . . very
rarely exercised, that arbitrary power steals upon a
people. --Burke.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Her.) In a sleeping posture; as, a lion dormant; --
distinguished from {couchant}.
[1913 Webster]
{Dormant partner} (Com.), a partner who takes no share in the
active business of a company or partnership, but is
entitled to a share of the profits, and subject to a share
in losses; -- called also {sleeping partner} or {silent
partner}.
{Dormant window} (Arch.), a dormer window. See {Dormer}.
{Table dormant}, a stationary table. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]