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subtraction

Subtraction Sub*trac"tion, n. [L. subtractio a drawing back. See Subtract, and cf. Substraction.] 1. The act or operation of subtracting or taking away a part. [1913 Webster]

2. (Math.) The taking of a lesser number or quantity from a greater of the same kind or denomination; an operation for finding the difference between two numbers or quantities. [1913 Webster]

3. (Law) The withdrawing or withholding from a person of some right to which he is entitled by law. [1913 Webster]

Note: Thus the subtraction of conjugal rights is when either the husband or wife withdraws from the other and lives separate without sufficient reason. The subtraction of a legacy is the withholding or detailing of it from the legatee by the executor. In like manner, the withholding of any service, rent, duty, or custom, is a subtraction, for which the law gives a remedy. --Blackstone. [1913 Webster]