n. [ From Dormant. ] The state of being dormant; quiescence; abeyance. [ 1913 Webster ] It is by lying dormant a long time, or being . . . very rarely exercised, that arbitrary power steals upon a people. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Her.) In a sleeping posture; as, a lion dormant; -- distinguished from couchant. [ 1913 Webster ] Dormant partner (Com.), a partner who takes no share in the active business of a company or partnership, but is entitled to a share of the profits, and subject to a share in losses; -- called also sleeping partner or silent partner. -- Dormant window (Arch.), a dormer window. See Dormer. -- Table dormant, a stationary table. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
|