[f. as prec. + -MENT.] The action of estranging; the condition of being estranged; separation, withdrawal, alienation in feeling or affection.
1660. Jer. Taylor, Duct. Dubit., III. ii. 63–4 (R.). If excommunication be incurred…, he that is guilty … is … bound to submit to those estrangements and separations.
1736. Berkeley, Disc. Magistrates, Wks. 1871, III. 429. The prevailing contempt of God’s word, and estrangement from his house.
1738–41. Warburton, Div. Legat., V. § 1. Wks. 1811, V. 10. Moses, to prevent any such estrangement … was careful to acquaint the chosen Family … of their descent from one man and woman.
1817. Jas. Mill, Brit. India, II. V. v. 496. Apprehending a greater estrangement of the mind of the Nizam.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., II. 261. The estrangement between the King of England and the Prince of Orange became daily more complete.
1883. H. Drummond, Nat. Law in Spir. W., v. (1884), 169. The estrangement of the soul from God.
