culpa

noun

cul·​pa

ˈku̇lpə,

ˈkəl-

plural culpae

-u̇lˌpī,

-əlˌpē

1

Roman & civil law : actionable negligence or fault

specifically : the failure to use the care and diligence demanded by the special relationship between the plaintiff and defendant under the particular circumstances that arises from inattention, careless conduct, or want of care

—distinguished from dolus

2

Roman & civil law : all actionable fault or misconduct including both negligence and willful or wanton wrongs arising from malice, fraud, or a desire for wrongful gain

3

: culpa levis

Word History

Etymology

Latin, guilt, fault; probably akin to Old Irish col sin, blame, Welsh cwl

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