habentes

Habentes is the present active participle of the Latin verb habere, meaning “having” or “possessing.” In Latin, it can function as a participle in a verb phrase or, more often in legal and documentary Latin, as a substantive meaning “the holders” or “owners” of property or rights.

Grammatical notes: As a participle, habentes is the plural nominative form (masculine or mixed gender) and can also appear in the accusative plural as habentes. As a substantive, it designates persons who possess something described in the document, such as lands, privileges, or obligations, and is frequently found in charters, contracts, and other administrative records. The form agrees with the people it describes, while the object of possession appears in the appropriate case within the surrounding text.

Usage and context: Habentes is especially common in classical and medieval Latin legal and documentary language. In charters and acts, it often occurs in lists or clauses identifying the party who holds or possesses property (“habentes terras,” “habentes iura”) and may be paired with related terms such as tenentes (“tenants”) to distinguish possession from ownership or tenure. Its usage reflects the practical need to specify who currently has control over an asset or right.

Translation considerations: English renderings typically use “the holders,” “the owners,” or simply “having” depending on context. When translating, the choice depends on whether the emphasis is on possession, ownership, or the act of having rights or lands described in the text.

See also: habere; habentis; Latin legal Latin terminology; medieval charters.