Adoptio

Lat. [from adoptare, which from ad, to, and optare, to choose J In the civil law. A taking or choosing of another's child as one's own*; adoption. This was done in two ways; by imperial rescript, (principali rescripto,) which gave authority to adopt persons of either sex, who were sui juris, (i. e. independent; ) and by authority of the magistrate, {imperio fnagtstratus,) which allowed the adoption of persons actually under the power of their parents.

Jnst. 1. 11. 1.

The last of these methods was properly adopdo, or adoption, the former being termed arrogatio, or adrogatio. (q.v.) Id.ihid. Big.l.lA, The adoption of children is still regidated by law in Germany and France, but is not recognised in English or American law.