Et cetera
(redirected from etceteras)Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus.
ET CETERA. A Latin phrase, which has been adopted into English; it
signifies. "and the others, and so of the rest," it is commonly abbreviated,
&c.
2. Formerly the pleader was required to be very particular in making
his defence. (q.v.) B making full defence, he impliedly admitted the
jurisdiction of the court, and the competency of the plaintiff to sue; and
half defence was used when the defendant intended to plead to the
jurisdictions or disability. To prevent the inconveniences which might arise
by pleading full or half defence, it became the practice to plead in the
following form: "And the said C D, by E F, his attorney, comes and defends
the wrong and injury, when, &c., and says," which was either full or half
defence. 2 Saund. 209, c.; Steph. Pl. 432; 2 Chit. Pl. 455.
3. In practice, the &c. is used to supply the place of words which have
been omitted. In taking recognizance, for example, it is usual to make an
entry on the docket of the clerk of the court, as follows: A B, tent, &c.,
in the sum of $1000, to answer, &c. 6 S. & R. 427.