usufruct

American  

[yoo-zoo-fruhkt, -soo-, yooz-yoo-, yoos-] / ˈyu zʊˌfrʌkt, -sʊ-, ˈyuz yʊ-, ˈyus- /

noun

Roman and Civil Law.

1. the right of enjoying all the advantages derivable from the use of something that belongs to another, as far as is compatible with the substance of the thing not being destroyed or injured.

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usufruct British  

/ ˈjuːsjʊˌfrʌkt /

noun

1. the right to use and derive profit from a piece of property belonging to another, provided the property itself remains undiminished and uninjured in any way

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Other Word Forms

• usufructuary noun

Etymology

Origin of usufruct

1620–30; < Late Latin ūsūfrūctus, equivalent to Latin ūsū, ablative of ūsus ( use (noun)) + frūctus ( fruit )

Example Sentences

“Some founders wanted to eliminate inheritance entirely. In a letter to James Madison, Thomas Jefferson suggested that all property be redistributed every fifty years, because "the earth belongs in usufruct to the living."

From Salon

Citing the rule of usufruct, he said, “You can enjoy the apples but can’t cut down the tree.”

From New York Times

The so-called "act of investiture" generally followed, the seigneur handing over to the vassal a bit of turf, a stick, or some other object symbolizing the transfer of the usufruct of the property in question.

From Project Gutenberg

If Richard will listen to reason and make due provision in his will, I am agreeable to allow him full usufruct of the "Hundred" until my son arrives at his majority.

From Project Gutenberg

Thenceforward the land, or the usufruct of it, is appropriated by that man and his heirs.

From Project Gutenberg