coemptio

noun

co·​emp·​tio
kōˈempshē(ˌ)ō,
-emptē-
plural -s
Roman law
: a ceremony symbolizing the sale of a woman to a man and bringing the woman under the manus of the man usually (1) as a plebeian marriage but sometimes (2) as a device of the woman to displace her guardian

called also respectively 1coemptio matrimoni causa, 2coemptio fiduciae causa

Word History

Etymology

Latin

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near coemptio

Cite this Entry

“Coemptio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coemptio. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!