letters patent
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plural noun Law.
a written or printed instrument issued by a sovereign power, conferring upon a patentee some right, as the exclusive right to land or the exclusive right to make, use, and sell an invention for a limited time.
Origin of letters patent
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for letters patent
Historical Examples of letters patent
This explains his motive for the arrangement he made in the letters-patent.
The Memoirs of Louis XIV., His Court and The Regency, CompleteDuc de Saint-Simon
He presented them with letters-patent, and invested them with the royal authority.
Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 1 (of 3)Isaac D'Israeli
There was nothing to do but pawn his precious first machine and the letters-patent.
Famous Days in the Century of InventionGertrude L. Stone
"These are the letters-patent in virtue of which you are to obey me," he said.
The ChouansHonore de Balzac
The secretary of State entered and showed the letters-patent.
Catherine de' MediciHonore de Balzac
letters patent
pl n
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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