usucapion

American  

[yoo-zuh-key-pee-on, -suh-] / ˌyu zəˈkeɪ piˌɒn, -sə- /

Also usucaption

noun

Roman Law.

1. the acquisition of property through long, undisturbed possession.

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Etymology

Origin of usucapion

1600–10; < Latin ūsūcapiōn-, stem of ūsūcapiō, equivalent to ūsū, ablative singular of ūsus ( see use (noun)) + capiō a taking ( cap ( ere ) to take + -iō (stem -iōn- ) -ion )

Example Sentences

Accordingly if, during the delay occasioned by trial, the possessor has completed a title to the property by usucapion, he will not be thereby saved from being condemned.

From The Institutes of Justinian by Moyle, John Baron

But all property necessarily originated in prescription, or, as the Latins say, in usucapion; that is, in continued possession.

From What is Property? by Proudhon, P.-J. (Pierre-Joseph)

Our constitution has enacted that in usucapion too a similar rule shall be observed, and that the benefit of the possession shall continue in favour of the successor.

From The Institutes of Justinian by Moyle, John Baron