Capiatur

/ˌkæpiˈætər/ noun

Definition

A Latin legal formula meaning 'let him be taken,' used in formal court warrants and legal documents.

Etymology

From Latin capere 'to take or seize,' in the passive subjunctive form. This was standard legal Latin used in English courts, particularly in writs and warrants before modern English became standardized in legal documents.

Kelly Says

Medieval and early modern courtrooms echoed with Latin phrases like 'capiatur'—lawyers literally gave orders in a dead language that only educated people understood, which some argue gave them mysterious power!

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