jus gentium

noun

jus gen·​ti·​um ˈyüs-ˈgen-tē-əm 

: international law

Word History

Etymology

Latin, law of nations

First Known Use

circa 1549, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

jus gentium

noun

jus gen·​ti·​um -ˈjen-shē-əm, -chəm 

: a body of law recognized by nations that is binding and governs their relations with each other : international law

called also law of nations

Note: In Roman law jus gentium referred to the rules and laws that were common to the various nations or peoples under the Roman empire and were used in cases between non-Roman citizens or between a Roman and a non-Roman citizen.

Etymology

Latin, literally, law of nations