In legal terms, to revoke or take away a gift or bequest, especially a specific item in a will.
From Old English 'adieman' meaning 'to deprive,' related to 'deem.' The term was preserved in legal language where specific bequests can be 'deemed' null if the item no longer exists.
If you promise your favorite car to your nephew in your will but sell it before you die, your nephew loses that bequest—lawyers call this being 'adeemed,' a technical term that prevents disputes.
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