pollicitation

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

Definition of pollicitation

plural -s

1 archaic : the action or result of promising : promise

2 a 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

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Origin and Etymology of 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