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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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