What does "avoidance" mean?

Avoidance: The act of becoming vacant, or the state of being vacant; -- specifically used for the state of a benefice becoming void by the death, deprivation, or resignation of the incumbent. Wolsey, . . . on every avoidance of St. Peter's chair, was sitting down therein, when suddenly some one or other clapped in before him. Fuller.

Additional senses

  1. 2.A dismissing or a quitting; removal; withdrawal.
  2. 3.The act of avoiding or shunning; keeping clear of. "The avoidance of pain." Beattie.
  3. 4.The courts by which anything is carried off. Avoidances and drainings of water. Bacon.

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