mero motu

English

Alternative forms

• ex mero motu

Etymology

From post-classical Latin motu mero (with transposition of elements), ablative of motus merus (“free impulse, volition”), from classical Latin mōtus (“motion, movement”).

Adverb

mero motu (not comparable)

1. (law) (Of) one's own accord. [from 17th c.]
   • 1748, [Samuel Richardson], “Letter CCVII”, in Clarissa. Or, The History of a Young Lady: […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to VII), London: […] S[amuel] Richardson;  […], →OCLC:

     I charge thee, write not a word to me in her favour, if thou meanest her well; for if I spare her, it must be all ex mero motu.