1.Transmission by formal act or conveyance to an heir or successor; transference; especially, the transfer or transmission of the crown or royal authority to a successor.
2.The decease of a royal or princely person; hence, also, the death of any illustrious person. "After the demise of the Queen (of George II.), in 1737, they (drawing- rooms) were held but twice a week."
3.(Law) The conveyance or transfer of an estate, either in fee for life or for years, most commonly the latter. Note: The demise of the crown is a transfer of the crown, royal authority, or kingdom, to a successor. Thus, when Edward IV. was driven from his throne for a few months by the house of Lancaster, this temporary transfer of his dignity was called a demise. Thus the natural death of a king or queen came to be denominated a demise, as by that event the crown is transferred to a successor.
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