Definition
The legal right to use and enjoy someone else's property without owning it, common in Louisiana and community property states. It's basically borrowing a house legally and permanently.
Example Usage
My mother has usufruct rights to the family home for life, meaning I inherit it but can't actually use it until she's gone.
Origin
From Latin 'usus et fructus' (use and enjoyment), adopted from Roman law
Fun Fact
Louisiana is the only U.S. state with usufruct in its civil code, because they had to be different about everything including property rights.
Source: Property law and civil code terminology
Related Terms
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See “usufruct” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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