Legal Definitions - pro dote

Definition: Pro dote (proh doh-tee) is a Latin term used in civil law to refer to something that is given as a dowry or by title of dowry. It is also a ground of usucapio, which is the acquisition of ownership by long possession begun in good faith.

Example: If a woman receives a piece of property as part of her dowry, that property is considered pro dote. If she possesses that property for a long period of time and in good faith, she may acquire ownership of it through usucapio.

Explanation: This means that if the woman possesses the property for a certain amount of time, she can become the legal owner of it even if it was not originally hers. This is because she has held it for so long that it is considered hers by law.