Sub*trac"tion (?), n. [L. subtractio a drawing back. See Subtract, and
cf. Substraction.] 1. The act or operation of subtracting or taking
away a part.
2. (Math.) The taking of a lesser number or quantity from a greater of
the same kind or denomination; an operation for finding the difference
between two numbers or quantities.
3. (Law) The withdrawing or withholding from a person of some right to
which he is entitled by law.
Thus the subtraction of conjugal rights is when either the husband or
wife withdraws from the other and lives separate without sufficient
reason. The subtraction of a legacy is the withholding or detailing of
it from the legatee by the executor. In like manner, the withholding of
any service, rent, duty, or custom, is a subtraction, for which the law
gives a remedy. Blackstone.
Sub*trac"tive (?), a. 1. Tending, or having power, to subtract.