de bene esse

[ di bee-nee es-ee, dee, dey bey-ney es-ey ]

adverb

, Law.

1. of validity for the time being but subject to objection or nullification at a later date; provisionally:

   to take evidence de bene esse to ensure against its loss.

Word History and Origins

Origin of de bene esse¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Medieval Latin: dē bene esse, literally, “of well-being”

Example Sentences

Few beside those who had had the equivocal advantage of being early familiarised with such gibberish as "special general imparlance"—"special testatum capias"—"special original"—"testatum pone"—"protestando"—"colour"—"de bene esse," &c. &c. &c. could obtain a glimmering of daily practice, without a serious waste of time and depreciation of the mental faculties.

From Project Gutenberg

If he has answered, it may go in, de bene esse.

From Project Gutenberg

I receive it de bene esse; to give such weight to it as I shall think proper.

From Project Gutenberg

Many distinguished speakers are said to do more than this,—to write out with care and repeat from memory their more important and persuasive parts; like the de bene esse’s of Curran, and the splendid passages of many others.

From Project Gutenberg

Bourqueney has signed the document de bene esse; this is his wisest and most dignified course.

From Project Gutenberg