usus

In Roman law, usus refers to the act of using something or the right to use property without enjoying its income or profit. This concept is distinct from absolute ownership (dominium), which was a core principle in Roman property law, allowing individuals to own property outright.12

Usus is a type of servitude, a personal and inalienable right that grants the holder the bare use of real or personal property. This is similar to the modern concept of usufruct, which is the temporary right to use and enjoy another's property without altering its character. However, usus is more restricted than usufruct, as it only permits use, not the taking of fruits or profits from the property. For example, one could live in a house (usus) but not rent it out, as that would be considered taking its fruits.132