delated

The term "delated" primarily refers to the act of bringing a matter before a court or other tribunal for a formal decision. It is often used in legal contexts, particularly in older legal terminology or in specific jurisdictions. To delate something is to present it for examination and judgment. This can involve presenting evidence, making arguments, or formally lodging a complaint.

In some historical legal systems, "delation" specifically referred to the initiation of a criminal prosecution by a private individual, as opposed to an action taken by a public prosecutor. This form of initiation allowed for citizens to bring offenders to justice directly. The process of delation would typically involve presenting information to the appropriate authorities, who would then decide whether to proceed with a formal trial.

The word itself has roots in Latin, derived from "delatus," the past participle of "deferre," meaning to carry down or to report. Over time, its usage has evolved, but the core concept of bringing something forward for consideration or judgment remains. While less commonly used in modern everyday language, understanding "delated" provides insight into the historical development of legal procedures and the formal mechanisms for resolving disputes or addressing wrongdoing.