Plain English Meaning
A rule that lets you fly with a broken piece of equipment for a limited time, as long as you follow the steps that go with it.
Full Definition
An authorization that allows a pilot or operator to legally postpone the repair of a specific inoperative item of equipment on an aircraft, provided the conditions and limitations specified in the applicable Minimum Equipment List (MEL) or regulation are met.
Context Anchor
Seen when deciding whether an aircraft may legally fly with inoperative equipment under a Minimum Equipment List or the operating rules for aircraft without one.
Derivation
From the Latin 'differre,' meaning to put off or delay. A deferral provision is the formal permission that lets a repair be put off without grounding the aircraft.