Cliens

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Cliens (plural clientes) was the term used to refer to the "lesser" - or obligated - role in the Ancient Roman law/social convention of clientela. The term cliens is derived from the Latin word cluere - to "hear" or "obey". Cliens were those whose family — usually of the plebian class — either personally, or heriditarily, owned undischarged 'favors' or obligatio to another family — usually of the patrician class.

A cliens had had certain obligations towards their patronus. They were required to show up every morning as their patrons "levy" to see if there was any service that their patron required of them that day. Additionally, clientes' were expected to contribute toward the dowry of their patron's marriageable daughters. Clientes could not be compelled to testify against their patron in a court of law. Traditionally, clientes accompanied their patrons in times of war, as vassals. There were other restrictions, both social and legal.

By the time of Cicero, the Patronus/Cliens relationship also could refer to the relationship between an advocate and his legal client.

Also by this time, extremely powerful and influential Roman patricians might have entire foreign city states, or countries as clientes. In such cases, the Roman Senate would often settle disputes between foreign nations within its "sphere of influence" by referring the matter to be resolved between the patroni of the respective disputing client nations, and abide by the results.

For more details refer to clientela, and patronus.