NE URBS RUINIS DEFORMETUR

ne urbs ruinis deformetur (nee [schwa]rbz roo-I-nis di-for-m[schwa]-t[ schwa]r). [Latin] Scots law. Lest the city should be disfigured by ruinous houses. • The phrase appeared in reference to the jurisdiction of the Dean of Guild, who presided over construction projects, to order repairs to or demolition of unsafe buildings.