droits of Admiralty

ˈdrȯits-

English law

: certain rights or perquisites (as the proceeds of enemies' ships seized in port or taken by uncommissioned captors or from wrecks and derelicts) that formerly belonged to the Court of Admiralty but are now allowed to the captor

Word History

Etymology

Middle French droit law, right, from Medieval Latin directum, from neuter of Late Latin directus just, from Latin, straight, direct

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!