Legal Definitions - bannitus

Definition: Bannitus (ban-uh-tuhs) is a term from Law Latin that refers to a person who is under a ban or an outlaw. It is similar to the term "ban" which is a public proclamation or summons. Bans were used to call people to arms or to declare someone an outlaw. Bannitus can also refer to an authoritative ecclesiasticalprohibition or excommunication.

• After committing a serious crime, the king declared the thief a bannitus, meaning he was now an outlaw and could be punished without consequence.
• The church issued a bannitus against the priest who had been caught stealing from the collection plate.
• When a couple wants to get married in a church, they must have their banns of matrimony announced to the congregation for three consecutive weeks.

The examples illustrate how bannitus can be used in different contexts. In the first example, it refers to a person who has been declared an outlaw by the king. In the second example, it refers to a person who has been excommunicated by the church. In the third example, it refers to the announcement of a couple's intention to marry in a church.