Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Suspense?

\Sus*pense"\, a. [F. suspens, L. suspensus, p. p. of suspendere. See {Suspend}.] 1. Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding. [Obs.] [The great light of day] suspense in heaven. --Milton. 2. Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt. [Obs.] ``Expectation held his look suspense.'' --Milton.
\Sus*pense"\, n. [From F. suspens, a. See {Suspense}, a.] 1. The state of being suspended; specifically, a state of uncertainty and expectation, with anxiety or apprehension; indetermination; indecision; as, the suspense of a person waiting for the verdict of a jury. Ten days the prophet in suspense remained. --Denham. Upon the ticklish balance of suspense. --Cowper. 2. Cessation for a time; stop; pause. A cool suspense from pleasure and from pain. --Pope. 3. [Cf. F. suspense.] (Law) A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent. {Suspense account} (Bookkeeping), an account in which receipts or disbursements are temporarily entered until their proper position in the books is determined.