poor-debtor law

noun

: a law providing relief for debtors usually by affording them time to pay their just debts by installments, or by freeing them from arrest or imprisonment on their delivering all their property not exempt from creditors to a trustee or other public officer for the benefit of the creditors, or on their taking an oath that they have property within the amount exempted from the claims of creditors

Word History

Etymology

poor debtor

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now