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

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
Advanced search features
Ad free!

Origin and Etymology of capitis deminutio

Latin, literally, diminution of life

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up capitis deminutio? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

capitis deminutio

Definition of capitis deminutio