Definition of: demise

(di·mīz′) noun
1. Death; decease.
2. Law a Decease involving as a result the transfer of an estate. b A transfer or conveyance of rights or estate.
3. The immediate transfer of a sovereign's rights at his death or abdication to his successor.
—v. ·mised, ·mis·ing v.t.
1. To bestow by will; bequeath: said especially of sovereignty on the death or abdication of a king, etc.
2. Law To lease (an estate) for life or for a term of years.
—v.i.
3. To pass by will or inheritance. [<OF, fem. of demis. pp. of demettre send away <L demittere. See DEMIT.]
—de·mis′a·ble adjective