A more thorough explanation:

Definition: A partial or qualified divorce by which the parties were separated and allowed or ordered to live apart, but remained technically married. This type of divorce was abolished in England in 1857 and was the forerunner of modern judicial separation.

Example: In the past, if a couple wanted to separate but not fully divorce, they could seek a separation a mensa et thoro. This allowed them to live apart and have some legal protections, but they were still considered married. This type of divorce is no longer used, but it paved the way for modern legal separation.

Explanation: Separation a mensa et thoro was a way for couples to separate without fully dissolving their marriage. It was often used in cases of cruelty or misconduct, where one spouse needed to be protected from the other. While it is no longer used, it helped establish the concept of legal separation, which is still used today.