Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 February 1901 — Latin Phrases. [ARTICLE]

Latin Phrases.

The word “re,” largely used in business letters as “re your communication,” is a contraction for “in* re,” a Latin phrase composed of the preposition “in” and “re” the ablative case of the word “res,” a thing. Freely translated, the phrase means “in the matter of ” “Re” is used instead of “in re,” simply for convenience, and custom has sanctioned its use. “Ultra ▼ires” is «also Latin. “’Ultra” means beyond, while “vires” is the accusative plural of the word “vis," strength or power. The phrase “ultra vires” means beyond the power or right of. Thus if we say that some action is “ultra vires,” a certain body, it is meant that the body has no right to act as it has done. Wise is the man who can keep appearances up and expenses down.