term:

Abeyance

abeyance n

[Middle French abeance expectation (of a title or claimant), from abaer to expect, from a-, prefix stressing result + baer to gape, aim at]
1 : a lapse in the succession of property during which there is no person in whom title to the property is vested usually used with in [the estate was in ]
2 : temporary inactivity or suppression
: cessation or suspension for a period of time usually used with in or into [to hold the entry of summary judgment in "J. H. Friedenthal et al."]

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.