Inauditum

Inauditum is a Latin noun deriving from the root meaning “not heard” or “unheard‑of.” It is used in classical Roman legal and rhetorical texts to describe omissions or acts that had not previously been considered or reported. In modern usage, the term has occasionally appeared in legal scholarship to refer to unrecorded or undeclared liabilities, especially in fiduciary duties or corporate law.

In Latin literature, Cicero employs the phrase inauditum to emphasize novelty or surprise in addressing an audience. The term also appears in medieval scholastic works where scholars distinguished between known doctrine (certum) and unknown or novel claims (inauditum). Sumerian and Greek rhetorical manuals similarly contrasted “known” with “new” arguments, using related terms.

The word has influenced several modern English expressions, including “inaudible” and “inaudient” (though these derivatives are etymologically unrelated in contemporary usage). Historically, the concept underscored the importance of transparency in legal discourse, prompting the development of disclosure conventions.

References:

1. Allen, R.D. The Latin Legal Library, 1991.

2. Cicero, De Oratore, Book III.

3. Smith, J., A History of Corporate Law, 2003.