Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dormant \Dor"mant\, a. [F., p. pr. of dormir to sleep, from L.
   dormire; cf. Gr. ?, Skr. dr[=a], OSlav. dr?mati.]
   1. Sleeping; as, a dormant animal; hence, not in action or
      exercise; quiescent; at rest; in abeyance; not disclosed,
      asserted, or insisted on; as, dormant passions; dormant
      claims or titles.

            It is by lying dormant a long time, or being . . .
            very rarely exercised, that arbitrary power steals
            upon a people.                        --Burke.

   2. (Her.) In a sleeping posture; as, a lion dormant; --
      distinguished from {couchant}.

   {Dormant partner} (Com.), a partner who takes no share in the
      active business of a company or partnership, but is
      entitled to a share of the profits, and subject to a share
      in losses; -- called also {sleeping or silent partner}.

   {Dormant window} (Arch.), a dormer window. See {Dormer}.

   {Table dormant}, a stationary table. [Obs.] --Chaucer.