REUS

reus (ree-[schwa]s). [Latin] Roman & civil law. 1. A defendant. Cf. ACTOR (3). 2. A party to a suit, whether plaintiff or defendant. 3. A party to a contract or transaction, esp. one assuming a debt or obligation. 4. Roman law. In criminal law, an accused or convicted person. Pl. rei. Fem. rea, pl. reae.