caveat Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a warning against certain acts
    caution.
    • a caveat against unfair practices
  2. noun (law) a formal notice filed with a court or officer to suspend a proceeding until filer is given a hearing
    • a caveat filed against the probate of a will

WordNet

Ca"ve*at noun
Etymology
L. caved let him beware, pres. subj. of cavere to be on one's guard to, beware.
Definitions
  1. (Law) A notice given by an interested party to some officer not to do a certain act until the party is heard in opposition; as, a caveat entered in a probate court to stop the proving of a will or the taking out of letters of administration, etc. Bouvier.
  2. (U. S. Patent Laws) A description of some invention, designed to be patented, lodged in the patent office before the patent right is applied for, and operating as a bar to the issue of letters patent to any other person, respecting the same invention. ✍ A caveat is operative for one year only, but may be renewed.
  3. Intimation of caution; warning; protest.
    We think it right to enter our caveat against a conclusion. Jeffrey.

Webster 1913