Legal Definitions - brevia testata

Definition: Brevia testata is a Latin term used in history that refers to a type of writ. The word "brevis" means "short," and brevia were short writs, unlike charters. It is similar to the term "breve testatum."

Examples:

• Album breve: A blank writ; a writ with a blank or omission in it.
• Apertum breve: An open, unsealed writ.
• Breve de bono et malo: A writ that deals with the issue of good and evil.
• Breve de conventione: A writ that deals with the issue of agreement.

The examples illustrate the different types of brevia that were used in history. For instance, an album breve was a blank writ that could be filled in later, while an apertum breve was an open, unsealed writ. The other examples show the different issues that brevia could address, such as good and evil or agreement.