a mensa et thoro

American  

[ey men-suh et thawr-oh, thohr-oh] / eɪ ˈmɛn sə ɛt ˈθɔr oʊ, ˈθoʊr oʊ /

adjective

Law.

1. pertaining to or noting a divorce that forbids spouses to live together but does not dissolve the marriage bond.

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a mensa et thoro British  

/ eɪ ˈmɛnsə ɛt ˈθɔːrəʊ /

adjective

1. law denoting or relating to a form of divorce in which the parties remain married but do not cohabit: abolished in England in 1857

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Etymology

Origin of a mensa et thoro

1590–1600; < Latin: literally, from board and bed. See mensal ², torus

Example Sentences

But an answer was afforded by any conduct which would have supported a decree of divorce a mensa et thoro.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5 "Dinard" to "Dodsworth" by Various

In Lord Northampton’s case in the reign of Edward VI. the delegates pronounced in favour of a second marriage after a divorce a mensa et thoro.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5 "Dinard" to "Dodsworth" by Various

Divorce a mensa et thoro could be granted on the grounds allowed by the canon law.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5 "Dinard" to "Dodsworth" by Various

All James had got for his activities in bringing his action was a divorce a mensa et thoro, that is, "from bed and board."

From The Magnificent Montez From Courtesan to Convert by Wyndham, Horace

It is thus: Hæc hoc morus multicaulis, a mensa et thoro, ruta baga centum.

From The American Union Speaker by Philbrick, John D. (John Dudley)