vis major

American  

[vis may-jer] / ˈvɪs ˈmeɪ dʒər /

noun

Law.

• vires majores
  plural

1. force majeure.

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vis major British  

/ ˈvɪs ˈmeɪdʒə /

noun

1. See force majeure

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• vires majores
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of vis major

First recorded in 1595–1605, vis major is from Latin vīs major “greater force”

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vis major

In Spain an act of the 30th of January 1900, adopted the Spain. principle of the personal responsibility of the employer for accidents to workmen other than those due to vis major.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various

Then, ah! then, continued Homenas, no hail, frost, ice, snow, overflowing, or vis major; then plenty of all earthly goods here below.

From Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 4 by Peter Anthony Motteux

During the American invasion, in the autumn of 1775, Monsieur Menut, owing to a vis major, was forced to entertain a rather boisterous and wilful class of customers: Richard Montgomery and his warlike Continentals.

From Picturesque Quebec : a sequel to Quebec past and present by Sir J. M. (James MacPherson) Le Moine

Under Roman law, it was the rule in contracts for rent that a tenant was not bound to pay if any vis major prevented him from reaping.

From Political and Literary essays, 1908-1913 by Evelyn Baring

When I say that you ought to choose, I except vis major and fear, which destroy all power of choice.

From L. Annaeus Seneca on Benefits by Aubrey Stewart

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