1. An arrangement whereby a husband and wife live apart from each other while remaining married, either by mutual consent (often in a written agreement) or by judicial decree; the act of carrying out such an arrangement. — Also termed separation from bed and board. See divorce a mensa et thoro under DIVORCE. [Cases: Divorce 155; Husband and Wife 277. C.J.S. Divorce §§ 223–225.]
2. The status of a husband and wife’s having begun such an arrangement, or the judgment or contract that brought about the arrangement. — Also termed (in both senses) legal separation; judicial separation.
3. Cessation of a contractual relationship, esp. in an employment situation. — separate, vb.
