in terrorem

1 definition found

in terrorem - Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :

  IN TERROREM. By way of threat, terror, or warning. For example, when a 
  legacy is given to a person upon condition not to dispute the validity or the
  
  dispositions in wills and testaments, the conditions are not in general 
  obligatory, but only in terrorem; if, therefore, there exist probabilis 
  causa litigandi, the non-observance of the conditions will not be a 
  forfeiture. 2 Vern. 90; 1 Hill. Ab. 253; 3 P. Wms. 344; 1 Atk. 404. But when 
  the acquiescence of the legatee appears to be a material ingredient in the 
  gift, the bequest is only quousque the legatee shall refrain from disturbing 
  the will. 2 P. Wms. 52; 2 Ventr. 352. For cases of legacies given to a wife 
  while she shall continue unmarried, see 1 Madd. R. 590; 1 Rop. Leg. 558.