pend·ing / ˈpending/ • adj. awaiting decision or settlement: nine cases were still pending. ∎  about to happen; imminent: with a presidential election pending, it would be wrong to force the changes through now the pending disaster.• prep. until (something) happens or takes place: they were released on bail pending an appeal.

PENDING

Begun, but not yet completed; during; before the conclusion of; prior to the completion of; unsettled; in the process of adjustment.

A lawsuit is said to be pending from its inception until the issuance of a final judgment by a court. The phrase pending appeal refers to the time before an appeal is taken, as well as to the period during which an appeal is in progress.

pending
A. awaiting decision XVIII;

B. prep. throughout the continuance of XVII. Anglicization of (O)F. pendant (see PENDENT) in suspense, not concluded or settled.