consuetude
- noun
- /ˌkɒnswɪˈtjuːd/
- Archaic
- The court recognized consuetude as having the same force as written law in this case.
Examples
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He studied legal consuetude to understand how unwritten norms shape the justice system.
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The judge ruled that the long-standing consuetude must be upheld, as it had been followed for generations.
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Ancient consuetude dictated the rights and responsibilities of the village council.
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A local consuetude exists here.
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Many follow this consuetude.
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In this region, consuetude governs how disputes are resolved without written agreements.
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A legal conflict arose when the consuetude of the community clashed with formal legislation.
Synonyms
964
2.0
A custom or belief passed down in families and groups over time
57
3.9
A usual way of behaving that most people in a group follow
1
9.9
A regular way that a person behaves often without thinking
1
4.1
A custom people have followed for a long time that is hard to change
Antonyms
How Binding
Surface Forms
Etymology
Consuetude comes from the Latin consuetudo, meaning 'habit' or 'custom', and from consuescere 'to become used'. Think of it as an old community 'habit' so strong it acts like law, which is why consuetude means a long-established custom with the force of law.