pollicitation

noun

pol·​lic·​i·​ta·​tion

pəˌlisəˈtāshən

plural -s

1

archaic : the action or result of promising : promise

2

a

Roman law : an offer unaccepted or informal promise not accepted by the promisee but made enforceable as to promise of dos by late legislation

b

civil law : a promise or proposal not accepted : an unaccepted offer

Word History

Etymology

Latin pollicitation-, pollicitatio, from pollicitatus (past participle of pollicitari to promise, from pollicitus, past participle of pollicēri to bid, offer, promise, from pol-, por- —akin to Latin per through—+ licēri to bid) + -ion-, -io -ion; akin to Latin licēre to be permitted, be for sale

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