Archaic Legal Phrases in 19th Century Records

Nineteenth-century legal records frequently contain Latin phrases and formal expressions that are no longer commonly used. These terms appear in court minutes, deeds, probate files, and published legal notices. Understanding them helps clarify legal actions and procedural context.

Phrase	Meaning
Aforesaid	Previously mentioned.
Alia	“At another time” or “otherwise called.”
Amicus Curiae	“Friend of the court”; advisor not a party to the case.
Bona Fide	In good faith.
Certiorari	Order for lower court record review.
Chattels	Personal property (movable goods).
De Bonis Non	Administrator appointed to manage remaining estate assets.
De Facto	In fact, though not formally recognized.
De Jure	By law or legal right.
Deed Poll	Deed executed by one party only.
Demurrer	Objection asserting complaint lacks legal basis.
Ejectment	Legal action to recover possession of land.
Estoppel	Legal bar preventing contradiction of prior claim.
Et Al.	“And others.”
Et Seq.	“And the following.”
Ex Parte	Proceeding involving one party only.
Ex Rel.	“On the relation of.”
Fee Simple	Absolute ownership of land.
Habeas Corpus	Order to bring detained person before court.
Heretofore	Up to this time.
In Re	“In the matter of.”
In Testimony Whereof	Formal closing phrase in deeds.
Inter Alia	“Among other things.”
Inter Vivos	Between living persons.
Ipso Facto	By the fact itself.
Laches	Neglect resulting in loss of legal right.
Lis Pendens	Pending lawsuit affecting property.
Malice Aforethought	Intent to commit wrongful act.
Nolle Prosequi	Formal abandonment of prosecution.
Non Compos Mentis	Not of sound mind.
Nunc Pro Tunc	Retroactive legal action.
Per Stirpes	Distribution by family branch.
Prima Facie	On first appearance; sufficient evidence unless disproved.
Pro Se	Representing oneself.
Quid Pro Quo	Something given in exchange.
Quiet Title	Legal action to confirm property ownership.
Res Judicata	Matter already judged.
Scire Facias	Writ requiring party to show cause.
Subpoena Duces Tecum	Order to produce documents.
Testator	Person who made a will.
Testatrix	Female person who made a will.
Tort	Civil wrong causing harm.
Trespass	Unlawful entry onto property.
Uxor	Wife (often abbreviated “et ux.” in deeds).
Writ of Attachment	Court order seizing property.
Writ of Execution	Order enforcing court judgment.

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