peculium

Updated: June 21, 2025

Other modifications of the parental privileges followed, which showed a less studious outward respect for the ancient principle. Shortly after the introduction of the Quasi-castrense Peculium, Constantine the Great took away the father's absolute control over property which his children had inherited from their mother, and reduced it to a usufruct, or life-interest.

Sir Henry Sumner Maine - Ancient Law: Its Connection to the History of Early Society