Legal Definitions - expilator

Definition: Expilator (eks-puh-lay-tor) is a Latin term used in Roman law to refer to a robber, a spoiler, or a plunderer. It is also associated with the offense of unlawfully appropriating goods belonging to a succession, known as expilatio (eks-puh-lay-shee-oh).

Example: In ancient Rome, an expilator was someone who would steal or loot from others, especially during times of war or unrest. They were considered criminals and punished severely if caught.

Example: Expilatio was a serious offense in Roman law because it involved taking property that did not belong to the thief. For example, if someone died and their property was not yet distributed to their heirs, taking any of that property would be considered expilatio.

These examples illustrate how expilator and expilatio were used in Roman law to describe theft and robbery. They show that taking property that does not belong to you, whether from a person or a succession, was considered a serious crime.