Legal Definitions - arrha sponsalitia

ARRHA SPONSALITIA

Arrha sponsalitia is a Latin term used in Roman law. It refers to a payment made by one party to another as a guarantee that they will fulfill their promise to marry.

For example, if a man promised to marry a woman, he might give her a sum of money as arrha sponsalitia. This payment would serve as a symbol of his commitment to the marriage and as a guarantee that he would follow through on his promise.

Another example might be if a woman's father promised to give her a dowry upon her marriage. He might give a portion of the dowry as arrha sponsalitia to the groom as a guarantee that the rest of the dowry would be paid upon the marriage taking place.

Arrha sponsalitia was an important part of Roman law and culture, as it helped to ensure that promises of marriage were taken seriously and that both parties were committed to the union. The examples illustrate how this payment was used as a symbol of commitment and as a guarantee of fulfillment of the promise to marry.