Legal Definitions - praelegatum

Definition: Praelegatum is a Latin term used in Roman law to refer to a legacy that is given to one of several heirs. This legacy entitles the legatee to receive their share of the inheritance before the estate is divided among the other heirs. It is similar to an advancement.

For example, if a wealthy Roman citizen had three children and wanted to leave them each an equal share of his estate, he might include a praelegatum in his will. This would give one of the children a specific item or sum of money before the rest of the estate was divided. The praelegatum could be used to provide for a child who had a greater need for immediate financial assistance, or to reward a child who had been particularly dutiful or helpful to the parent during their lifetime.

Another example might be a situation where a wealthy Roman had several close friends or relatives who were not direct heirs, but whom he wished to provide for in his will. He could include a praelegatum for each of these individuals, giving them a specific item or sum of money before the rest of the estate was divided among the heirs.

These examples illustrate how a praelegatum could be used to distribute an estate in a way that was fair and equitable, while also allowing the testator to provide for specific individuals or address particular needs or circumstances.