diriment impediment

American  

noun

Law.

1. a fact or circumstance that renders a marriage void from the beginning.

---

Example Sentences

Caius is going to the altar to be married; Claudius knows of a diriment impediment to the marriage, but cannot make it known without causing a scene and giving great scandal.

From Project Gutenberg

The instruments used to render its strict theory ineffective are "diriment impediments" and "dispensations."

From Project Gutenberg

Example: In itself, it is not unlawful to make an informal will, but it is unlawful to marry with a diriment impediment.

From Project Gutenberg

Example: One may not contract marriage with a diriment impediment, on the plea that the Church would not wish the impediments to oblige under the serious inconvenience that exists in one's case.

From Project Gutenberg

When an Impediment Is Discovered after Marriage.—A diriment impediment or other invalidating defect is sometimes discovered after the celebration of marriage.

From Project Gutenberg