brocard

Definition

A legal principle usually expressed in Latin, traditionally used to concisely express a wider legal concept or rule.

Etymology

From French brocard, cognate with Medieval Latin brocarda, brocardicorum opus, a collection of canonical laws written by the bishop Burchard of Worms.

Example Sentences

• "The other question was as to the proper legal meaning of the brocard, “heres heredis mei est heres meus.”"
• "Blackstone, with a like tenderness of conscience, endeavors to withdraw a single case, a sale of provisions, from the old brocard caveat emptor, and tells us that in such a contract there is a warranty that the provisions are wholesome."