mare liberum

[ mair-ee lib-er-uhm, mahr-ey; Latin mah-re lee-be-room ]

noun

1. a body of navigable water to which all nations have unrestricted access.

mare liberum

/ ˈmɑːreɪ ˈliːbərʊm /

noun

1. See mare clausum
   law a sea open to navigation by shipping of all nations Compare mare clausum

Word History and Origins

Origin of mare liberum¹

1645–55; < Latin: free sea

Word History and Origins

Origin of mare liberum¹

Latin: free sea

Example Sentences

Mare Liberum, seu de jure quod Batavis competit ad Indica commercia.

From Project Gutenberg

Twenty-nine years after her answer to Mendoza, in 1609, appeared Grotius's short treatise "Mare liberum."

From Project Gutenberg

So early as in 1609 the great Grotius had published his treatise of Mare Liberum in favour of the freedom of the seas.

From Project Gutenberg

Selden's Mare clausum was a reply, written by the king's command, to the Mare liberum.

From Project Gutenberg

Tush Mare liberum, they fish under our noses, and sell it to us when they have done, at their own prices.

From Project Gutenberg