suspense
    n 1: apprehension about what is going to happen
    2: an uncertain cognitive state; "the matter remained in
       suspense for several years"
    3: excited anticipation of an approaching climax; "the play kept
       the audience in suspense"

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.]
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            [The great light of day] suspense in heaven.
                                                  --Milton.
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   2. Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt. [Obs.]
      "Expectation held his look suspense." --Milton.
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Suspense \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.
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            Ten days the prophet in suspense remained. --Denham.
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            Upon the ticklish balance of suspense. --Cowper.
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   2. Cessation for a time; stop; pause.
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            A cool suspense from pleasure and from pain. --Pope.
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   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.
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   Suspense account (Bookkeeping), an account in which
      receipts or disbursements are temporarily entered until
      their proper position in the books is determined.
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SUSPENSE. When a rent, profit a prendre, and the like, are, in consequence 
of the unity of possession of the rent, &c., of the land out of which they 
issue, not in esse for a time, they are said to be in suspense, tunc 
dormiunt, but they may be revived or awakened. Co, Litt. 313 a.