Legal doublet
A legal doublet is a standardized phrase used frequently in English legal language which consists of two or more words which are near synonyms. The origin of the doubling — and sometimes even tripling — often lies in the transition of legal language from Latin to French. Certain words were simply given in their Latin, French and/or English forms to ensure understanding. Such phrases can often be pleonasms.
List of common legal doublets
- aid and abet
- appropriate and proper
- art and part
- by and between
- cancel, annul and set aside
- care and attention
- cease and desist
- covenant and agree
- deem and consider
- demise and lease
- due and payable
- final and conclusive
- full faith and credit
- give, devise and bequeath
- goods and chattels
- grant, bargain, sell
- indemnify and hold harmless
- legal and valid
- let or hindrance
- lewd and lascivious conduct
- liens and encumbrances
- make and enter into
- name, constitute and appoint
- null and void
- over and above
- part and parcel
- perform and discharge
- power and authority
- rest, residue and remainder
- right, title and interest
- sale or transfer
- sole and exclusive
- to have and to hold
- successors and assigns
- terms and conditions
- will and testament
See also
Hendiadys