Captandum

/kæpˈtændəm/ noun

Definition

Something that is meant to be taken or seized, often used in legal or Latin contexts.

Etymology

From Latin captandum, the neuter gerundive form of capere meaning 'to take' or 'to seize.' The gerundive form expresses something that ought to be or is worthy of being done.

Kelly Says

This word survives mainly in legal Latin phrases and shows how Latin gerundives allowed Romans to express 'things deserving to be done'—it's like an ancient way of making a to-do list in formal documents.

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