Legal Definitions - impetrare

Definition: Impetrare (im-puh-trair-ee) is a Latin term used in Roman law to mean "to obtain by request." It was often used in petitions requesting a formula for an action from a praetor. In English law, it was used for those seeking a writ from Chancery. The English word "impetrate" comes from this Latinism.

• He impetrated a writ from Chancery to settle the dispute.
• The lawyer impetrated a formula for an action from the praetor.

These examples illustrate how impetrare was used in both Roman and English law to obtain legal remedies through formal requests. In both cases, impetrare was used to obtain a specific legal document or action that would help resolve a legal dispute.