Quytaunce

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An archaic term for the release or discharge of someone from a debt, duty, or obligation owed
2. Obsolete word meaning the freeing of a person from a sum owed or a duty that was binding on them
3. A formal discharge from a financial debt or moral obligation, used in older English writing

Etymology: This term is a Middle English spelling of a word for a written release from a debt or obligation, the receipt that declared someone quit. It descends from Old French "quitance," which came from Medieval Latin "quietantia," a formation from "quietare," meaning to set at rest or release. That Latin root also lies behind the English adjective "quit," meaning free of an obligation. "Quit" comes from Old French "quite," from Latin "quietus," meaning quiet or at rest. Medieval legal Latin used "quietus est" to declare an account settled, so the ideas of peace and payment merged. Modern English keeps the two apart, with "quittance" still used for a release or receipt and "quiet" meaning calm.