Wariaunce

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An archaic term for a difference or alteration in something ; a dispute or falling out between people
2. Old word meaning a shift or variety in form or state ; a contention or quarrel that sets parties against each other
3. A rare older name for variation or change ; a disagreement or bitter argument between two sides

Etymology: "Wariaunce" is an old spelling of "variance," the noun for the quality of differing or changing. It reflects the Anglo-French form "variaunce," which came from Old French "variance," itself from Latin "variantia." That Latin noun derives from "variare," "to vary," which in turn comes from "varius," meaning "diverse" or "changing." English took the word in the Middle Ages, and the "-aunce" ending preserves the French spelling that later gave way to "-ance." The modern sense of "variance" as a measure of spread in statistics is a much later technical development, not part of this older history.