a legal dissolution of the marriage contract by a court or other body having competent authority. this is properly a divorce, and called, technically, divorce a vinculo matrimonii.-the separation of a married woman from the bed and board of her husband -- divorce a mensa et toro (/ thoro), "from bed board."-the decree or writing by which marriage is dissolved.-separation; disunion of things closely united.-that which separates.-to dissolve the marriage contract of, either wholly or partially; to separate by divorce.-to separate or disunite; to sunder.-to make away; to put away.