pignus

law

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

In Roman and civil law, pignus refers to a pledge or pawn where a creditor has the power of sale and takes possession of an item for security. This concept has evolved into various legal rights.1

Pignus legale is a pledge or lien that arises automatically by law, such as a landlord's claim on a tenant's property.2
Pignus judiciae grants a judgment creditor a lien on the property of a judgment debtor.3

These legal terms highlight the historical development of secured interests in property within legal systems derived from Roman law.

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property law
Security interests in property
…the pledge or pawn (pignus) was historically the chief security device for movables. Under this device the right to possession of the movable was in the creditor, although possession in fact might not be. Financing devices for merchants are handled in separate codes of commercial law, where the devices…
Read More
…the pledge or pawn (pignus) was historically the chief security device for movables. Under this device the right to possession of the movable was in the creditor, although possession in fact might not be. Financing devices for merchants are handled in separate codes of commercial law, where the devices…
Read More