avoidance

noun

Etymology: From Middle English avoidaunce, from avoid + -ance.

1. The act of avoiding or shunning; keeping clear of.

   “At her invitation he outlined for her the succeeding chapters with terse military accuracy ; and what she liked best and best understood was avoidance of that false modesty which condescends, turning technicality into pabulum.”

2. The act of annulling; annulment.
3. The act of becoming vacant, or the state of being vacant, specifically used for the state of a benefice becoming void by the death, deprivation, or resignation of the incumbent.
4. The act of dismissing a person.
5. The act of quitting a position or benefice.
6. The course by which anything (especially water) is carried off.

   “In the Upper Gallery too I wish that there may be, if the Place will yield it, some Fountains running in divers Places from the Wall, with some fine Avoidances.”