Disavaunce

/ˌdɪsəˈvɔːns/ verb

Definition

To remove advantage or superiority from someone; to reduce someone's favorable position.

Etymology

From dis- (prefix meaning 'reverse') + vaunce (from Old French avancier, 'to advance'). This is an archaic word found mainly in historical texts and older literature.

Kelly Says

Medieval and Renaissance writers used 'disavaunce' to describe political betrayals or reversals of fortune—when a nobleman lost his position or advantage. Shakespeare's era loved this word, but it disappeared as English simplified.

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