pactum

noun

pac·​tum
ˈpäkˌtu̇m
variants or less commonly pactio
-ktēˌō
plural pacta
-ktə
also pactiones
ˌpäktēˈōˌnās
Roman law
: an informal agreement between two or more persons containing one or more promises and usually legally unenforceable even when supported by a sufficient consideration except for certain pacta declared enforceable by praetorian edicts and imperial constitutions if arising out of a lawful cause or inducement

Word History

Etymology

Latin

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near pactum

Cite this Entry

“Pactum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pactum. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!