reversionary

English

Etymology

reversion +‎ -ary

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈvɜː(ɹ)ʒənəɹi/, /ɹɪˈvɜː(ɹ)ʒənɹi/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ɹəˈvɝʒəˌnɛɹi/

Noun

reversionary (plural reversionaries)

1. A reversioner.

Adjective

reversionary (comparative more reversionary, superlative most reversionary)

1. Pertaining to reversion, especially that of an estate.

   a reversionary interest or right

   • 1951 June, “The Why and the Wherefore: Abandoned Branch Lands”, in Railway Magazine, page 428:

     If this was unrestricted freehold, the land is available for sale or lease, although often it is not readily marketable, by reason of its shape and access; neighbouring landowners are possible purchasers. In some cases, reversionary rights were reserved to neighbouring landowners when the land was acquired.

   • 1958, Howard Nemerov, “Seven Macabre Songs”, in Mirrors and Windows:

     Small animals
     Began to mooch around and climb up this
     Reversionary desk and dustable heirloom.