muniments
UK: ˈmjuːnɪmənts | US: ˈmjuːnɪmənts
n. Legal documents or records, especially those providing evidence of rights or titles (e.g., property deeds, charters).
Derived from Latin munimentum (defense, protection, or fortification), from munire (to fortify or protect). Over time, the term shifted from physical protection (e.g., fortifications) to legal protection through documents that "defend" one's rights or claims. The suffix -ment (from Latin -mentum) denotes concrete results or instruments, here referring to the documents themselves.
The lawyer carefully examined the muniments to verify the land ownership.
Ancient muniments in the archives revealed the monastery's historical privileges.
The court requested the muniments as proof of the inheritance dispute.
Digitizing muniments has made archival research more accessible.
The castle's muniments included royal charters dating back to the 12th century.