Legal Definitions - hasta

Definition: Hasta (has-tə) is a Latin word that means "spear".

There are two main historical uses of the term:

1. Roman law: Hasta was used to refer to a sale by auction. This was indicated by a spear being placed into the ground. For example, the phrase "hasta subicere" meant to put something up for sale at auction.
2. Investing a fief: Hasta was also used as a symbol to invest a fief. This means that a person was given the right to use and profit from a piece of land in exchange for loyalty and military service.

For example, in ancient Rome, if someone wanted to sell a piece of land, they would put a spear in the ground to indicate that it was up for auction. This was known as a "hasta sale".

In medieval Europe, a lord would use a hasta to invest a fief to a vassal. This meant that the vassal would become the lord's loyal servant and would be responsible for protecting the land and providing military service.