Legal Definitions - dextras dare

Dextras dare is a Latin term meaning "to give right hands." It refers either to shaking hands as a gesture of friendship or, in a more formal sense, to surrendering oneself to the power or authority of another.

dextras dare

This Latin term has two primary meanings in a legal or formal context:

• 1. To shake hands as a sign of friendship, agreement, or reconciliation.

  This meaning refers to the physical act of shaking hands, which traditionally signifies a bond, a mutual understanding, or the resolution of a dispute between parties.

  • Example: After a lengthy negotiation over a complex business deal, the CEOs of two competing technology companies finally reached a mutually beneficial agreement. They concluded their meeting by shaking hands firmly, signifying their commitment to the terms and their intent to move forward with a cooperative spirit.

    Explanation: In this scenario, the handshake serves as a "dextras dare," formally marking the end of negotiations and the beginning of a collaborative relationship, symbolizing their newfound agreement and professional camaraderie.

  • Example: Two neighbors had a long-standing dispute over a shared property line. After a community mediator helped them find a compromise, they shook hands, indicating their acceptance of the new boundary agreement and their willingness to put the past conflict behind them.

    Explanation: Here, the act of "dextras dare" represents the neighbors' reconciliation and their formal acknowledgment of the resolution, establishing a renewed sense of peace and agreement between them.

• 2. To give oneself up to the power or authority of another.

  This meaning implies a surrender of control, autonomy, or independence to another entity, accepting their terms or authority.

  • Example: A small, struggling startup company, facing imminent bankruptcy, decided to accept a buyout offer from a much larger corporation. By agreeing to the acquisition, the startup's founders effectively performed a "dextras dare," relinquishing control and ownership of their venture to the acquiring entity.

    Explanation: This illustrates "dextras dare" as the act of surrendering the company's independence and placing it under the authority and ownership of the larger corporation, accepting its power.