no–man's–land

noun \ˈnō-ˌmanz-ˌland\

: an area of land between two countries or armies that is not controlled by anyone

Full Definition of NO-MAN'S-LAND

a : an area of unowned, unclaimed, or uninhabited land

b : an unoccupied area between opposing armies

c : an area not suitable or used for occupation or habitation <downtown was a retailing no–man's–land>

: an anomalous, ambiguous, or indefinite area especially of operation, application, or jurisdiction <the no–man's–land between art and science>

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14th century

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