Words Of Art Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Words Of Art?

(n) Words of Art are defined as the words or phrases or language used by any group with a particular meaning as communicated within them, which have no sense or meaning to other peoples. Such words may not have a commonly accepted meaning. An example is ‘Rx’ used by doctors

History and Meaning of Words Of Art

Words of Art are a common legal term that refers to words or phrases that have a specific meaning within a particular group or field, but do not have any commonly accepted definition or understanding outside of that field. The legal profession, in particular, is known for its use of words of art. These terms may include technical terms, industry jargon or acronyms, or other specialized language.

The term "words of art" is derived from the Latin phrase "verba artis," which translates to "words of art," or "words of skill." Historically, the term has been used in many different fields, including law, medicine, and engineering, to describe language that is specific to a particular profession or industry.

Examples of Words Of Art

Some examples of words of art in the legal profession include phrases like "amicus curiae," "res ipsa loquitur," and "habeas corpus." These terms have specific legal meanings and are used to convey specific legal concepts or ideas. Other examples may include industry-specific terminology such as "share buyback," "depreciation," or "net present value."

Legal Terms Similar to Words Of Art

There are several other legal terms that are similar to words of art, such as "terms of art" or "jargon." While there are some similarities between these terms, words of art specifically refer to language that has a specific meaning within a particular group or field. Terms of art, on the other hand, refer to specific words or phrases that have a technical meaning within a particular context. Jargon is a more general term that refers to language that is specific to a particular field or industry.