3. (Law) A condition, relating to a deed, which being performed, the deed is defeated or rendered void; or a collateral deed, made at the same time with a feoffment, or other conveyance, containing conditions, on the performance of which the estate then created may be defeated.
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Mortgages were usually made in this manner in former times, but the modern practice is to include the conveyance and the defeasance in the same deed.
De*fea"sanced (?), a. (Law) Liable to defeasance; capable of being made void or forfeited.
De*fea"si*ble (?), a. [See Defeasance.] Capable of being annulled or made void; as, a defeasible title. -- De*fea"si*ble*ness, n.
De*feat" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defeated; p. pr. & vb. n. Defeating.] [From F. défait, OF. desfait, p. p. ofe défaire, OF. desfaire, to undo; L. dis- + facere to do. See Feat, Fact, and cf. Disfashion.] 1. To undo; to disfigure; to destroy. [Obs.]
His unkindness may defeat my life.
Shak.
2. To render null and void, as a title; to frustrate, as hope; to deprive, as of an estate.
He finds himself naturally to dread a superior Being that can defeat all his designs, and disappoint all his hopes.
Tillotson.
The escheators . . . defeated the right heir of his succession.
Hallam.
In one instance he defeated his own purpose.
A. W. Ward.
3. To overcome or vanquish, as an army; to check, disperse, or ruin by victory; to overthrow.