Divorce

The dissolution or partial suspension, by law, of the marriage relation. The dissolution is termed "divorce from the bond of matrimony," or, in the Latin form of the expression, a vinculo matrimonii; the suspension, divorce from bed and board, a mensa et thoro. The former divorce puts an end to the marriage; the latter leaves it in full force.

Bish. Mar. & Div. § 292.

The term "divorce" is sometimes also applied to a sentence of nullity, which establishes that a supposed or pretended marriage either never existed at all, or at least was voidable at the election of one or both of the parties. The more correct modern usage, however, confineis the signification of divorce to the dissolution of a valid marriage. What has ration. So, also, a sentence or decree which renders a marriage void o6 initio, and bastardizes the issue, should be distinguished from one which is entirely prospective in its operation; and for that purpose the for-' mer may be termed a "sentence of nullity."