superficiary

1 of 2

adjective

obsolete

: superficial

superficiary

2 of 2

noun

su·​per·​fi·​ci·​ary

-ˈfishēˌerē

plural -es

Roman & civil law

: one who has built on the soil of another usually by agreement with him for an annual rental

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Late Latin superficiarius built on another man's land, from Latin superficies surface, building on the surface of the ground + -arius -ary

Noun

Late Latin superficiarius, from superficiarius built on another man's land

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