vis major

American  

[vis mey-jer] / ˈvɪs ˈmeɪ dʒər /

noun

Law.

vires majores plural

1. force majeure.

---

vis major British  

/ ˈvɪs ˈmeɪdʒə /

noun

1. See force majeure

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• vires majores
  plural

Etymology

Origin of vis major

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

Example Sentences

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 Motteux, Peter Anthony

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

Nationalization is the cardinal fact, the vis major, on each side.

From The Brothers' War by Reed, John Calvin

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 Baring, Evelyn

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 Stewart, Aubrey