durance

noun

du·rance ˈdu̇r-ən(t)s

also ˈdyu̇r-

archaic : endurance

: restraint by or as if by physical force

—usually used in the phrase durance vile

Etymology

Middle English, duration, from Anglo-French, from durer to last from Latin durare

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of durance was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Style

“Durance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/durance. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

durance

noun

du·rance ˈd(y)u̇r-ən(t)s

: the state of being restrained by or as if by physical force

Get Word of the Day daily email!