Actus

/ˈæk.tus/ noun

Definition

In Roman law, a legal action or right of way; also refers to a deed or action in its most formal sense.

Etymology

Latin word meaning 'a doing, deed, or action.' This is the root from which many English words like 'act,' 'actor,' 'action,' and 'actual' derive their meaning.

Kelly Says

In Roman law, 'actus' was technically a legal right to drive cattle or passage across someone's land—showing how legal terminology often preserves ancient, practical meanings that get more abstract over time.

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