ancipitis usus

adjective

an·​ci·​pi·​tis usus

anˈsipətə̇sˈyüsəs,

äŋˈkipətə̇ˈsüsəs

: of twofold use

—used especially of an article (as coal) that can be utilized for commercial as well as belligerent purposes and hence raises the question of whether or not it is justifiable contraband of war

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

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