pollicitation

noun

pol·lic·i·ta·tion | \ pəˌlisəˈtāshən \

plural -s

Definition of pollicitation

1 archaic : the action or result of promising : promise

2a Roman law : an offer unaccepted or informal promise not accepted by the promisee but made enforceable as to promise of dos by late legislation

b civil law : a promise or proposal not accepted : an unaccepted offer

History and Etymology for pollicitation

Latin pollicitation-, pollicitatio, from pollicitatus (past participle of pollicitari to promise, from pollicitus, past participle of pollicēri to bid, offer, promise, from pol-, por- —akin to Latin per through—+ licēri to bid) + -ion-, -io -ion; akin to Latin licēre to be permitted, be for sale