Etymology · Anglo-Norman
lettres patentes
2 English words descend from Anglo-Norman lettres patentes, most common first.
- patentAn official document granting an appointment, privilege, or right, or some property or title; letters patent.
- letters patentA type of legal document in the form of an open letter issued by an authority to direct that some action be taken; to grant a monopoly, right, status, or title to a person or organization; to record a contract.