liberum veto

[ lib-er-uhm, lee-ber- ]

noun

1. a veto exercised by a single member of a legislative body whose rules require unanimity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of liberum veto¹

1785–95; < Latin līberum, neuter of līber free

Example Sentences

His plan aimed at the restoration of the royal prerogative and the abolition of the liberum veto, an abuse that made any durable improvement impossible.

From Project Gutenberg

The liberum veto was abolished; confederations were prohibited as inconsistent with the genius of the constitution; and it was provided, that, after every quarter of a century, the constitution should be revised and amended.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, the days of the liberum veto were necessarily the days of legalized insurrection.

From Project Gutenberg

Its first decree abolished the liberum veto.

From Project Gutenberg

The Diet was to be confederated, that the Poles might be deprived of their last resource, the liberum veto.

From Project Gutenberg