Usufruct

views updated May 23 2018

USUFRUCT

Acivil lawterm referring to the right of one individual to use and enjoy the property of another, provided its substance is neither impaired nor altered.

For example, a usufructuary right would be the right to use water from a stream in order to generate electrical power. Such a right is distinguishable from a claim of legal ownership of the water itself.

usufruct

views updated May 18 2018

usufruct right of temporary possession or use. XVII. — medL. ūsūfrūctus, for L. ūsusfrūctus, more fully ūsus et frūctus use and enjoyment; see USE, FRUIT.