contrahere (k[schwa]n-tray-h[schwa]-ree), vb. [Latin “draw together”] Roman law. 1. To establish or enter into a formal relationship, as between husband and wife, creditor and debtor, by mutual agreement. 2. To commit a crime. 3. To accept an inheritance. 4. Generally, to perform any act of legal significance. See CONTRACTUS.
contractus (k[schwa]n-trak-t[schwa]s). [Latin] Roman law. A contract; an agreement between two or more parties, usu. to create an actionable bond between them. See CONTRAHERE. “The texts of the Roman Law do not supply a definition of contract. The words contractus — contrahere — like ‘contract’ in English, are used in various senses, sometimes wider, sometimes