Vis major
(redirected from vires majores)Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus.
Related to vires majores: variola major virus
VIS MAJOR, a superior force. In law it signifies inevitable accident.
2. This term is used in the civil law in nearly the same same way that
the words act of God, (q.v.) are used in the common law. Generally, no one
is responsible for an accident which arises from the vis major; but a man
may be so where he has stipulated that he would; and when he has been guilty
of a fraud or deceit. 2 Kent, Com. 448; Poth. Pret a Usage, n. 48, n. 60
Story Bailm. Sec. 25.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.