- (law) An exception applicable in cases where there are two or more principal debtors who are liable jointly but not severally; that is to say where each one is liable only for his share of the debt. In the event of the creditor claiming the full amount of the debt from one of the debtors, the debtor from whom the full amount is claimed can avail himself of this benefit and thereby avoid having to pay more than his share of the debt.
Latin exceptio: exception; de: of; duo: irreg. two; vel: or, either... or; plus: many, numerous; res: thing, matter, issue; debeo: to owe, lit. of money.