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capitis deminutio

noun ca·pi·tis de·mi·nu·tio \ ˈkapətə̇sˌdeməˈn(y)üshēˌō , ˈkä...-ˌdāmə̇ˈnütēˌō \

Definition of capitis deminutio

plural capitis deminutiones \-ˌn(y)üshēˈō(ˌ)nēz, -ˌnütēˈō(ˌ)nās\
Roman law
:impairment of legal status or civil capacity before the strict law through loss of freedom, citizenship, or family membership

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Origin and Etymology of capitis deminutio

Latin, literally, diminution of life

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