A gift made by someone who believes they are about to die, which automatically revokes if the giver survives the anticipated peril. The gift must be delivered with the intent that it take effect only upon the giver's death from the feared cause.
From Latin 'causa mortis' meaning 'by reason of death.' Roman law recognized this special category of gifts made in contemplation of imminent death, distinguishing them from both regular inter vivos gifts and testamentary bequests.
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