Legal terminology · Property & agreements
caveat emptor — Let the buyer beware
caveat emptor means let the buyer beware. Latin source words and legal terminology examples: A caveat emptor rule.
Meaning and source words
Meaning: Let the buyer beware
- Latin: caveat emptor
Examples and word parts
A caveat emptor rule
A rule placing some responsibility on a buyer to investigate a purchase; its reach depends on the setting.
Word parts: caveat (let beware) + emptor (buyer)
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Related property & agreements terms
- quid pro quo — Something for something
An exchange described as quid pro quo
- inter vivos — Between living people
An inter vivos gift
- in rem — Concerning a thing
An in rem proceeding
- in personam — Concerning a person
In personam jurisdiction
- quantum meruit — As much as deserved
A claim in quantum meruit
- per stirpes — By family branch
Distribution per stirpes
- per capita — By head or person
Distribution per capita
- pro rata — In proportion
A pro rata payment
Sources and usage
From the Word Radicals legal terminology collection. Source words and word parts are learning references; modern meanings can differ from their classical sources.