Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: COMES
Definition: Comes is a Latin word that has two meanings in history. Firstly, it refers to a count or earl, which is a person who has a high rank in society. Secondly, it refers to a person who is part of a high government official's group of people who travel with them. The group of people is called a retinue. Comites is the plural form of comes. Comitatus is another Latin word that means a county or shire, which is a place where people live. It can also mean the group of people who travel with a prince or high government official.
Definition: Comes (koh-meez) is a Latin term used in history to refer to:
The plural form of comes is comites. See comitatus.
Comitatus (kom-uh-tay-tuhs) is another Latin term used in history to refer to:
For example, in medieval times, a comes was a nobleman who held a high rank in society, similar to a count or earl. They were often part of a prince or king's comitatus, which was a group of trusted advisors and soldiers who accompanied the ruler wherever they went. The comitatus was responsible for protecting the ruler and enforcing their laws.
Another example of a comes is a member of a modern-day president's or prime minister's staff. These individuals are part of the leader's retinue and are responsible for advising them on important matters of state.
The term comitatus is also used in legal contexts to refer to the jurisdiction of a county court or the group of citizens who are summoned to serve on a jury.