Divorce \Di*vorce"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Divorced; p. pr. & vb. n. Divorcing.]

[Cf. F. divorcer. See Divorce, n.]

1. To dissolve the marriage contract of, either wholly or partially; to separate by divorce.

2. To separate or disunite; to sunder.

It [a word] was divorced from its old sense. --Earle.

3. To make away; to put away.

Nothing but death Shall e'er divorce my dignities. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Divorce \Di*vorce"\, n. [F. divorce, L. divortium, fr. divortere, divertere, to turn different ways, to separate. See Divert.]

1. (Law)
   (a) A legal dissolution of the marriage contract by a court or other body having competent authority. This is properly a divorce, and called, technically, divorce a vinculo matrimonii. ``from the bond of matrimony.''
   (b) The separation of a married woman from the bed and board of her husband -- divorce a mensa et toro (or thoro), ``from bed board.''

2. The decree or writing by which marriage is dissolved.

3. Separation; disunion of things closely united.

To make divorce of their incorporate league. --Shak.

4. That which separates. [Obs.]

--Shak.

Bill of divorce. See under Bill.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)