Latin for Lawyers

PATERFAMILIAS

provision and another or because the language of a provision is capable of two irreconcilable meanings. See LATENT AMBIGUITY PATERFAMILIAS [L. pater / father + familia / a household] The father or male head of a family or household. PATERNAL [L. pater / father] Belonging to, proceeding from or derived from the father. The paternal line is a relationship between two persons which can be traced through a common father. Paternal property is property derived from a person who is related to the owner or recipient on the paternal side of the family. PATERNITY [L. pater / father] Proceeding from the father. The state or quality of being a father. A paternity suit is an action brought to determine whether a designated person is the father of a child born out of wedlock; if paternity is established, there is a resulting duty of support. PATER PATRIAE [L. pater + patria / fatherland, country of birth] Literally, the father of his country. See PARENS PATRIAE PATRIA POTESTAS [L. pater + potestas / power (from possum , posse / to be able)] The power of a father or head of household. In Rome, the father’s power over his home and family was absolute. PATRICIDE [L. pater + caedere / to cut down, to kill] The act of killing one’s own father. Also, a person who has killed his father. See PARRICIDE PATRIMONY [L. pater + alimonia / nourishment] Heritage. An estate or a property which has descended from a line traced to the father, now extended to include all ancestors. Also, the sum of all the rights, privileges, assets and liabilities which together constitute the eco nomic status of an individual; the components forming the value of an indi vidual’s estate. PATRON [L. pater ] A protector or benefactor. One who sponsors or supports the creative or intel lectual activities of others, as in, he is a patron of the arts . One who supports another financially. Also, the customer of a store or business.

278