patria potestas

American  

[pey-tree-uh poh-tes-tuhs, pah-, pa-, pah-tri-ah poh-tes-tahs] / ˈpeɪ tri ə poʊˈtɛs təs, ˈpɑ-, ˈpæ-, ˈpɑ trɪˌɑ poʊˈtɛs tɑs /

noun

Roman Law.

1. the power vested in the paterfamilias or head of the Roman family with respect to his wife, natural or adopted children, and agnatic descendants: title to family property is vested exclusively in the paterfamilias, property acquired by a family member becomes family property, and no family member can enter into a transaction in their own right.

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Etymology

Origin of patria potestas

From Latin: literally, “paternal power”

Example Sentences

Some enslaved people were sold into bondage through patria potestas.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

The patria potestas, the authority of the father, was absolute.

From Salon • Oct. 23, 2022

Disinheriting as a regular habit, a promiscuous pastime, is not included in the patria potestas.

From Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 02 by Fowler, F. G. (Francis George)

Dismasted in the deep of law I lie, A poor reward it is to stand confessed as The Virgil of the interdict de vi, The Petrarch of the patria potestas.

From Briefless Ballads and Legal Lyrics Second Series by Williams, James

It was a survival of the patria potestas which had once belonged to him.

From Babylonians and Assyrians, Life and Customs by Sayce, A. H. (Archibald Henry)