(by extension) An outcome which is awaited with keen anticipation, especially one which is delayed for a period of time or which is not known until the last minute.
(narratology) An ending or stopping point calculated to leave a story unresolved, in order to create suspense.
farthingale
farthingale
noun
(historical) A hooped structure in cloth worn to extend the skirt of women's dresses; a hooped petticoat.
