Category:Subtraction

Sub*trac"tion, n. Etym: [l. subtractio a drawing back. See subtract, And cf. Substraction.]

1. The act or operation of subtracting or taking away a part.

2. (math.)

Defn: the taking of a lesser number or quantity from a greater of the Same kind or denomination; an operation for finding the difference Between two numbers or quantities.

3. (law)

Defn: the withdrawing or withholding from a person of some right to Which he is entitled by law.

Note: thus the subtraction of conjugal rights is when either the Husband or wife withdraws from the other and lives separate without Sufficient reason. The subtraction of a legacy is the withholding or Detailing of it from the legatee by the executor. In like manner, the Withholding of any service, rent, duty, or custom, is a subtraction, For which the law gives a remedy. Blackstone.