Habendum clause

/həˈbɛndəm klɔz/ noun phrase

The portion of a deed that defines the extent and duration of ownership being granted, typically beginning with 'to have and to hold.' It specifies what type of estate or interest the grantee receives.

From Latin 'habendum' meaning 'to have' or 'to hold,' this was a standard phrase in medieval property transfers. The clause evolved from Norman legal traditions where the exact nature and duration of land ownership needed precise definition.

📖 Full word page — etymology, 47 translations, audio 🔑 Get Free API Key — 50 lookups/day 📚 Read the Docs — integrate Word Orb