Diffareation

/ˌdɪfəˈreɪʃən/ noun

Definition

In Roman law, the formal dissolution or breaking of a marriage by mutual consent or by a specific ceremonial process.

Etymology

From Latin 'diffarreatio,' composed of 'dis-' (apart) and 'far' (spelt grain used in Roman marriage ceremonies). The 'farreatio' was the ritual binding of marriage with spelt cakes, so 'diffarreatio' was its ceremonial undoing.

Kelly Says

Romans took their marriage rituals so seriously that they had special ceremonies just to UNdo them—and the word literally means 'un-farreating' because marriage was sealed by sharing spelt cakes! The ceremony had to match the binding for it to count.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.