Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: HASTA
Definition: Hasta is a Latin word that means "spear". In Roman law, it was used to indicate a sale by auction. They would place a spear into the ground to show that the item was up for sale. The phrase "hasta subicere" meant to put something up for sale at an auction. In history, hasta was also used as a symbol to invest a fief.
Definition: Hasta (has-tə) is a Latin word that means "spear".
There are two main historical uses of the term:
For example, in ancient Rome, if someone wanted to sell a piece of land, they would put a spear in the ground to indicate that it was up for auction. This was known as a "hasta sale".
In medieval Europe, a lord would use a hasta to invest a fief to a vassal. This meant that the vassal would become the lord's loyal servant and would be responsible for protecting the land and providing military service.