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capitis deminutio

noun
ca·​pi·​tis de·​mi·​nu·​tio | \ˈkapətə̇sˌdeməˈn(y)üshēˌō, ˈkä...-ˌdāmə̇ˈnütēˌō\
plural capitis deminutiones\ -​ˌn(y)üshēˈō(ˌ)nēz, -​ˌnütēˈō(ˌ)nās \

Definition of capitis deminutio 

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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History and Etymology for capitis deminutio

Latin, literally, diminution of life

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