Divorce (?), n. [F. divorce, L. divortium, fr. divortere, divertere, to turn different ways, to separate. See Divert.] 1. (Law) (a) A legal dissolution of the marriage contract by a court or other body having competent authority. This is properly a divorce, and called, technically, divorce a vinculo matrimonii. “from the bond of matrimony.” (b) The separation of a married woman from the bed and board of her husband -- divorce a mensa et toro (or a mensa et thoro), “from bed and board”.
[1913 Webster]

2. The decree or writing by which marriage is dissolved.
[1913 Webster]

3. Separation; disunion of things closely united.
[1913 Webster]

To make divorce of their incorporate league. Shak.
[1913 Webster]

4. That which separates. [Obs.] Shak.
[1913 Webster]

Bill of divorce. See under Bill.
[1913 Webster]