Legal Definitions - meer dreit

Definition: Meer dreit (meer drayt or dreet) is an abstract right in property, without possession or even the right of possession. It is also known as mere right or jus merum.

Example: A person may have the true ultimate property of a piece of land in themselves, but due to certain circumstances, such as their own negligence or a court decision, the right of possession may be in favor of someone else. In this case, the person with the ultimate property has only a mere right or meer dreit, and must prove their right in order to regain possession of the land.

This example illustrates how meer dreit is a right in property that does not include possession or the right of possession. It is an abstract right that may exist even if someone else has possession of the property.