billa vera

English

Etymology

From the Latin, literally "the bill is true".

Noun

billa vera (uncountable)

1. (law) Signifying that a presenter has furnished probable evidence, and is worthy of further consideration, presented to a party to indict them of the crime, and legally must confess or follow through the indictment.

Usage notes

Historically, a grand inquest impaneled and swore before the Justices in Eyre, etc, endorsing a bill whereby any crime punishable in that court is presented to them, with the phrase billa vera.

References

• 1728, Cyclopaedia.