\Pre`ter*i"tion\ (?; 277), n. [L. praeteritio: cf.
F. pr['e]t['e]rition.]
1. The act of passing, or going past; the state of being
   past. --Bp. Hall.
2. (Rhet.) A figure by which, in pretending to pass over
   anything, a summary mention of it is made; as, ``I will
   not say, he is valiant, he is learned, he is just.''
   Called also {paraleipsis}.
3. (Law) The omission by a testator of some one of his heirs
   who is entitled to a portion. --Bouvier.