liberum veto

[ lib-er-uhm, lee-ber- ]

noun

1. a veto exercised by a single member of a legislative body whose rules require unanimity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of liberum veto¹

1785–95; < Latin līberum, neuter of līber free

Example Sentences

One dissentient on the council could bar any proposal—on the lines of the old Polish liberum veto (chapter xxxvi, 7).

From Project Gutenberg

The Diet was to be confederated, that the Poles might be deprived of their last resource, the liberum veto.

From Project Gutenberg

The liberum veto in Poland was the right of each representative to oppose the veto of the laws which were voted unanimously.

From Project Gutenberg

This right of separation is simply the liberum veto resuscitated for the benefit of federal institutions.

From Project Gutenberg

Konarski was the first who ventured publicly to assail the liberum veto.

From Project Gutenberg