commercia belli

plural noun

com·​mer·​cia bel·​li
kə¦mərsh(ē)əˈbeˌlī,
-(ˌ)lē;
kə¦merkēəˈbeˌlē
: agreements between enemy states (as truces, capitulations, safe-conducts, and cartels)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, plural of commercium belli stipulation, treaty, literally, intercourse of war

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 commercia belli

Cite this Entry

“Commercia belli.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commercia%20belli. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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