reversion Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun (law) an interest in an estate that reverts to the grantor (or his heirs) at the end of some period (e.g., the death of the grantee)
noun (genetics) a return to a normal phenotype (usually resulting from a second mutation)
noun a reappearance of an earlier characteristic
atavism; throwback.
noun turning in the opposite direction
turnaround; reverse; reversal; turnabout.
noun returning to a former state
regress; retroversion; regression; retrogression.
noun a failure to maintain a higher state
relapsing; relapse; lapse; reverting; lapsing; backsliding.

F. réversion, L. reversio a turning back. See Revert.

The act of returning, or coming back; return. Obs.
After his reversion home, [he] was spoiled, also, of all that he brought with him. Foxe.
That which reverts or returns; residue. Obs.
The small reversion of this great navy which came home might be looked upon by religious eyes as relics. Fuller.
(Law) The returning of an esttate to the grantor or his heirs, by operation of law, after the grant has terminated; hence, the residue of an estate left in the proprietor or owner thereof, to take effect in possession, by operation of law, after the termination of a limited or less estate carved out of it and conveyed by him. Kent.
Hence, a right to future possession or enjoiment; succession.
For even reversions are all begged before. Dryden.
(Annuities) A payment which is not to be received, or a benefit which does not begin, until the happening of some event, as the death of a living person. Brande &C.
(Biol.) A return towards some ancestral type or character; atavism.