in forma pauperis

adjective or adverb

in for·​ma pau·​pe·​ris ˌin-ˈfȯr-mə-ˈpȯ-pə-rəs 

-ˈpau̇-

: as a poor person

Word History

Etymology

Latin, in the form of a pauper

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

in forma pauperis

adjective or adverb

in for·​ma pau·​pe·​ris ˌin-ˈfȯr-mə-ˈpȯ-pə-rəs, -ˈfȯr-mä-ˈpau̇-pe-rēs 

: as a poor person : relieved of the fees and costs of a legal action because of inability to pay

allowed to file an appeal in forma pauperis

in forma pauperis status

Etymology

Medieval Latin, in the form of a pauper