non liquet

noun

non li·​quet

(ˈ)nänˈlīkwə̇t,

(ˈ)nōn-,

-lik-

plural non liquets

: an expression or condition of doubt or uncertainty as to the facts or where the truth lies

questions which can be answered only with a non liquet

—Louis Infield

—used by Roman judges in rendering a decision in a doubtful case or in asking leave to be excused

Word History

Etymology

Latin, it is not clear

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