Antichreses

/ænˈtɪkrəˌsiz/ noun

Definition

Plural of antichresis; legal agreements where property is held as security for a debt, with the holder receiving the income from the property.

Etymology

From Greek 'antichrésis' (using something in place of something else), from 'anti-' (against, instead of) + 'chrésis' (use). This legal term entered English through Latin and has been used in property law for centuries.

Kelly Says

Antichresis is a bizarre legal relic that still exists in some countries—it's basically using someone's property as a debt guarantee, which shows how medieval property laws still shadow modern legal systems.

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