postliminy

[pohst-lim-uh-nee]

noun

International Law.

1. the right by which persons and things taken in war are restored to their former status when coming again under the power of the nation to which they belonged.

postliminy

/ pəʊstˈlɪmɪnɪ, ˌpəʊstlɪˈmɪnɪəm /

noun

1. international law the right by which persons and property seized in war are restored to their former status on recovery

Word History and Origins

Origin of postliminy¹

First recorded in 1650–60, postliminy is from the Latin word postlīminium resumption of rights or recovery of property after return from exile or captivity. See post-, liminal, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of postliminy¹

C19: (in this sense): from Latin postlīminium a return behind one's threshold, from līmen threshold

Example Sentences

Postliminy, post-lim′i-ni, n. the right by which persons or things taken in war by the enemy are restored to their former status upon their coming again under the power of the nation to which they belonged: the return of a prisoner, exile, &c. to his former status.—adjs.

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Real property, which is easily identified, is more completely within the right of postliminy than moveable property, which is more transitory in its nature, and less easily recognized.

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The rule by which things taken by the enemy are restored to their former owner, upon coming again under the power of the nation to which they formerly belonged, is termed jus postliminii, or the right of postliminy.

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