Remainder

Remainder is a term much used in the law of England. Thus, if the owner of the fee-simple, or freehold of lands, give them by will or deed to A for life, and after his decease to B and his heirs, the interest of B is called the remainder, because, after deducting A's life estate, all that remains belongs to B. A remainder is distinguished from a reversion in this, that in the latter case the land returns or reverts to the owner himself. Remainders are used in settlements for the purpose of fixing the succession and tying up the property, so far as the law will permit. See PERPETUITY.