avoidance

n. 1. The act of annulling; annulment. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of becoming vacant, or the state of being vacant; -- specifically used for the state of a benefice becoming void by the death, deprivation, or resignation of the incumbent. [ 1913 Webster ]

Wolsey, . . . on every avoidance of St. Peter's chair, was sitting down therein, when suddenly some one or other clapped in before him. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A dismissing or a quitting; removal; withdrawal. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The act of avoiding or shunning; keeping clear of. “The avoidance of pain.” Beattie. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The courts by which anything is carried off. [ 1913 Webster ]

Avoidances and drainings of water. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]