redhibition: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareFormal/Legal
Quick answer
What does “redhibition” mean?
The legal act of returning a defective product to the seller and demanding a full refund, especially when the defect is hidden or not apparent at the time of purchase.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The legal act of returning a defective product to the seller and demanding a full refund, especially when the defect is hidden or not apparent at the time of purchase.
In civil law systems, particularly those derived from Roman law, it refers to the remedy available to a buyer when a purchased item has a latent defect that renders it unfit for its intended use, allowing the buyer to cancel the sale and recover the purchase price.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is virtually unknown outside academic legal circles discussing Roman or comparative law. In American English, it has limited but specific use in Louisiana (a civil law jurisdiction) and in legal scholarship.
Connotations
Highly technical legal term; carries no colloquial connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher recognition in American English due to Louisiana's civil law system.
Grammar
How to Use “redhibition” in a Sentence
The buyer sought redhibition of the sale.The court granted redhibition.The defect justified redhibition.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redhibition” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The claimant sought to redhibit the faulty machinery.
- One may redhibit a slave in Roman law.
American English
- Under Louisiana law, the buyer can redhibit the sale of the property.
- The attorney advised redhibiting the vehicle.
adverb
British English
- The sale was dissolved redhibitorily.
- This term is used almost exclusively redhibitorily in legal texts.
American English
- The court acted redhibitorily to nullify the contract.
- The code provision applies redhibitorily.
adjective
British English
- The redhibitory action was filed within the prescriptive period.
- A redhibitory defect must be latent.
American English
- The Louisiana Civil Code outlines redhibitory vices.
- They pursued a redhibitory remedy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in general business; only in specific legal contracts or disputes within relevant jurisdictions.
Academic
Used in law schools, particularly in courses on Roman law, comparative law, or the law of sales in civil law systems.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core technical term in civil law pertaining to sales and consumer protection.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redhibition”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redhibition”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redhibition”
- Misspelling as 'redhibition' (adding an extra 'h').
- Using it as a synonym for a simple return policy or warranty claim.
- Pronouncing it as /riːdˈhɪbɪʃən/ (like 'read').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A warranty return is based on the terms of a manufacturer's or seller's guarantee. Redhibition is a legal right arising from a latent defect that makes the item unfit for its purpose, regardless of any warranty.
It is a living part of the law in civil law jurisdictions like Louisiana (USA), Quebec (Canada), Scotland, and many countries in Europe, Latin America, and Africa, often codified in their civil codes.
No, it would be inappropriate and confusing. Use terms like 'return for a refund,' 'cancel the sale,' or 'get your money back' instead.
The defect must be 'latent' or hidden—not reasonably discoverable by the buyer at the time of purchase—and it must be serious enough to render the item useless or so imperfect that the buyer would not have purchased it had they known.
The legal act of returning a defective product to the seller and demanding a full refund, especially when the defect is hidden or not apparent at the time of purchase.
Redhibition is usually formal/legal in register.
Redhibition: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛdɪˈbɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛdəˈbɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of REDhibITION: you see a RED flag (a hidden defect) after the purchase, and you want to proHIBIT the sale from standing, so you seek its cancellation.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGAL REMEDY IS A RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL STATE (undoing the transaction as if it never happened).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'redhibition' MOST likely to be used correctly?