Vis Major
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
a superior force. In Jaw it signifies inevitable accident. This term is used in the civil law in nearly the same way that the words act of God, (q. v.), are used in the common law. Generally, no one is responsible for an accident which arises from the vis major; but a man may be so, where he has stipulated that he would; and when he has been guilty of a fraud or deceit.
2 Kent, Com: 448; Poth. Prét a Usage, n. 48, n. 60; Story, Bailm. 25.