Dormancy \Dor"man*cy\, n. [From Dormant.]

The state of being dormant; quiescence; abeyance. [1913 Webster]

It is by lying dormant a long time, or being . . . very rarely exercised, that arbitrary power steals upon a people. --Burke. [1913 Webster]

2. (Her.) In a sleeping posture; as, a lion dormant; -- distinguished from couchant. [1913 Webster]

Dormant partner (Com.), a partner who takes no share in the active business of a company or partnership, but is entitled to a share of the profits, and subject to a share in losses; -- called also sleeping partner or silent partner.

Dormant window (Arch.), a dormer window. See Dormer.

Table dormant, a stationary table. [Obs.]

--Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
 

Dormant \Dor"mant\, a. [F., p. pr. of dormir to sleep, from L. dormire; cf. Gr. ?, Skr. dr[=a], OSlav. dr?mati.]

1. Sleeping; as, a dormant animal; hence, not in action or exercise; quiescent; at rest; in abeyance; not disclosed, asserted, or insisted on; as, dormant passions; dormant claims or titles.

It is by lying dormant a long time, or being . . . very rarely exercised, that arbitrary power steals upon a people. --Burke.

2. (Her.) In a sleeping posture; as, a lion dormant; -- distinguished from couchant.

Dormant partner (Com.), a partner who takes no share in the active business of a company or partnership, but is entitled to a share of the profits, and subject to a share in losses; -- called also sleeping or silent partner.

Dormant window (Arch.), a dormer window. See Dormer.

Table dormant, a stationary table. [Obs.]

--Chaucer.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)