Legal Definitions - matricula

Definition: Matricula is a Latin word that has two meanings:

1. In Roman law, it refers to a register of public officials.
2. In history, it refers to a register or certificate of enrollment in any organized group or society.

For example, in ancient Rome, the matricula was a list of all the public officials, including their names, positions, and duties. This register was used to keep track of the government's employees and ensure that they were fulfilling their responsibilities.

In medieval Europe, the matricula was a certificate of enrollment in a university or a guild. Students who wanted to attend a university had to provide a matricula to prove that they were qualified to study there. Similarly, craftsmen who wanted to join a guild had to provide a matricula to prove that they had completed their apprenticeship and were skilled enough to become a member.

These examples illustrate how the matricula was used as a record-keeping tool in different contexts. Whether it was used to track public officials or certify membership in a group, the matricula was an important document that helped maintain order and ensure that people were qualified for their roles.