Surceased: meaning, definitions and examples
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surceased
[ sərˈsiːst ]
legal term
Surceased is an archaic term that means to cease or stop, often used in legal contexts. It implies the ending or discontinuation of a particular action, obligation, or legal procedure. While not commonly used in modern language, it carries historical significance in legal texts. The term indicates a definitive conclusion to a process or state, typically regarding cease of action or duty.
Synonyms
ceased, concluded, terminated.
Examples of usage
- The contract surceased upon completion.
- The firm surceased their operations last year.
- The debate surceased after the vote.
Etymology
The term 'surceased' derives from the Latin word 'sursum', which means 'upward' or 'above', combined with the English suffix '-ed' to form a verb. Its use dates back to the Middle English period, where it emerged in various legal documents to indicate the cessation of actions or duties. Over time, as the legal vernacular evolved, the term became less common, replaced by simpler alternatives such as 'ceased' or 'ended'. In contemporary usage, 'surceased' is mainly found in historical legal texts or discussions about archaic law, where its precise meaning retains importance for interpretation. While it is not widely used in everyday language today, understanding its origins helps shed light on its relevance in legal history and language evolution.