Facie

/ˈfeɪʃi/ adjective

Definition

An obsolete or archaic adjective meaning having a face or surface of a particular kind; now mainly seen in legal phrases like 'prima facie.'

Etymology

From Latin 'facies' meaning face or appearance. This form is largely obsolete in modern English except in preserved Latin phrases used in law and academia.

Kelly Says

'Prima facie' literally means 'at first face'—a legal standard meaning the evidence is convincing until proven otherwise; it's one of the last surviving uses of this Latin-derived adjective!

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