The most common use of the term is in the case of English peerage dignities. Most such peerages pass to heirs-male. But the ancient baronies created by writ, and possibly some very old earldoms, pass instead to heirs-general. If such a peerage is held by a man whose heir-at-law is neither a male, nor a woman who is an only child, on his death it goes into abeyance between two or more sisters or their heirs, and is held by no one till the abeyance is terminated. If eventually only one person represents the claims of all the sisters, he or she can claim the termination of the abeyance as a matter of right.

It is entirely possible for a peerage to remain in abeyence for centuries. For example, the Barony of Grey of Codnor was in abeyance for over 490 years between 1496 and 1989. Some other baronies became abeyant in the thirteenth century, and the abeyance has yet to be terminated.

The crown can also call the peerage out of abeyance at any moment, on petition, in favour of any one of the sisters or their heirs between whom it is in abeyance.

Generally, only baronies created by writ can go into abeyance. However, some ancient earldoms were created with a remainder to "heirs," rather than "heirs male," and it would appear that these can go into abeyance. The only titles other than a barony that have gone into abeyance are the earldom of Arlington and the viscountcy of Thetford (which is united with the earldom). (For further details, see Baron Arlington.)

Scottish peerage titles cannot go into abeyance. In Scotland, the eldest sister is preferred over younger sisters; sisters are not considered equal coheirs.

It is common, but incorrect, to speak of peerage dignities which are dormant (i.e. unclaimed) as being in abeyance.