Moiety Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Moiety, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Moiety?

History and Meaning of Moiety

The term "moiety" comes from the Latin word "moy-et-ee," which means half. In legal and anthropological contexts, a moiety is essentially a division of a social group into two halves or parts. Each moiety usually has its own distinctive cultural characteristics, such as languages, customs, or religious beliefs. The concept of moiety has been applied in different ways across cultures and contexts, but it generally refers to a kind of binary division or classification of a group or system.

In legal terms, a moiety can also refer to a half of the total involved in a right, event, or activity. For example, in property law, a joint tenant may transfer their moiety, or half of the ownership interest, to another person. In taxation, a moiety may indicate a specific portion or amount of a tax that is owed.

Examples of Moiety

• In some Native American cultures, communities may be divided into two moieties that are symbolized by animals, such as a wolf moiety and a bear moiety.
• In property law, if two people own a house jointly and equally, they each have a moiety or half of the ownership interest.
• In medieval Europe, some towns were divided into two moieties that were governed by different councils or mayors.
• In chemistry, a moiety refers to a specific part of a molecule or compound, such as a functional group.

Legal Terms Similar to Moiety

• Fractional interest: Refers to a partial ownership interest in property or assets.
• Dividend: A share or portion of a company's profits that is distributed to shareholders.
• Pro rata: A proportional allocation or distribution of something based on a specific formula, such as each person's share or contribution.