lis pendens

noun

lis pen·​dens
ˈlis-ˈpen-ˌdenz
1
: a pending suit
2
: a written notice of a pending suit involving property usually filed in the appropriate office (as a registry of deeds)

called also notice of pendency

3
a
: the jurisdiction and control of the court over property involved in a pending suit
b
: a doctrine under which one purchasing an interest in property involved in a pending suit does so subject to the adjudication of the rights of the parties to the suit

Word History

Etymology

Latin

Dictionary Entries Near lis pendens

Cite this Entry

“Lis pendens.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/lis%20pendens. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lis pendens

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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