usucaption
/ˌjuːzjʊˈkapʃ(ə)n
/(also usucapion /ˌjuːzjʊˈkeɪpɪən/)
noun [mass noun] Roman Law, chiefly historical
The acquisition of a title or right to property by uninterrupted and undisputed possession for a prescribed term.A slave, undoubtedly, can be the instrument of possession and usucapion for a bona fide possessor....
- It would be wise to have a closer look when someone is buying land based solely on usucaption since he might find himself in trouble when someone else in the future alleges that the plot is his.
- Among the most frequently registered legal facts, there are purchase and sale businesses, mortgage agreement, donation, and so on, and facts as succession for death, usucapion, and accession.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from medieval Latin usucaptio(n-), from usucapere 'acquire by prescription', from usu 'by use' + capere 'take'.