Legal Definitions - ANGLICÉ

ANGLICÉ is a Latin adverb meaning "in English" or "in the English language." Historically, this term was used in legal documents, particularly pleadings and scholarly commentaries, to indicate that a preceding non-English word, phrase, or legal maxim was being translated or restated in English for clarity.

• Imagine a legal scholar in the 18th century writing about ancient Roman law. They might refer to a specific type of contract as "pactum, Anglicé, an agreement or covenant."

  This usage clarifies that "pactum," a Latin term, is being translated directly into its English equivalent, "an agreement or covenant," making the text accessible to readers familiar with English legal terminology.

• Consider an old English will from the 17th century, which might have been drafted with some Latin legal phrases. If the will stated, "Heres, Anglicé, heir," when referring to the person who would inherit property.

  Here, "Anglicé" serves to immediately provide the English translation for "Heres," ensuring there is no ambiguity about who is designated as the beneficiary, even if the original term was in Latin.

• In a historical legal treatise discussing the principles of common law, a complex Latin legal maxim might be presented, such as "Actio personalis moritur cum persona, Anglicé, a personal action dies with the person."

  This example illustrates how a lengthy Latin legal principle, which might not be immediately understood by all readers, is followed by its concise English translation, ensuring the legal concept is clearly conveyed.