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Simple English definitions for legal terms
uncia
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A quick definition of uncia:
Term: UNCIA
Definition: Uncia is a Latin word that means one-twelfth. In Roman law, it was used to refer to a unit of measurement that was one-twelfth of the as, which was a pound. This term is where the English word "ounce" comes from. In history, it was also used as a measure of land in a royal charter, but its size is unclear. Generally, uncia refers to the proportion of one-twelfth.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Uncia (pronounced "uhn-shuh") is a Latin term that has several meanings:
- In Roman law, it refers to one-twelfth of the as, which was a unit of weight equivalent to a pound. This term is the origin of the English word "ounce." For example, a package of sugar may weigh 16 ounces, which is equivalent to one pound.
- In history, it was a measure of land used in a royal charter. The exact size of an uncia is unclear, but it may have measured 1,200 square feet or 12 modii. For example, a king may have granted an uncia of land to a nobleman as a reward for their service.
- Generally, it refers to the proportion of one-twelfth. For example, if a pizza is cut into 12 equal slices, each slice would be an uncia of the pizza.
These examples illustrate how the term uncia can refer to different measurements, such as weight, land, or proportion. It is important to understand the context in which the term is used to determine its specific meaning.