Capitare
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary · Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
In old law, and surveys. To head, front, or abut; to touch at the head, or end. Cowell, voc. "Laterare." CAPITAS DEMINUTIO (or DIMINUTIO) (Lat.) In the civil law. The loss of a mutatio).
Inst. 1. 16. pr. 1; Mackeld.
Civ. Law, p.
131, § 121.
Sometimes called capitis minutio.
Dig. 4. 5. 1.
This was of three kinds. See "Caput;" "Status." CAPITATIM (Lat.) By the head; to each individual.
4 Maule & S. 206.
CAPITATION (Lat. caput, head).
A polltax
An imposition yearly laid upon each person. The constitution of the United States provides that "no capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census, or enumeration, thereinbefore directed to be taken."
Article 1, § 9, note 4. See 3 Dall. (Pa.) 171; 5 Wheat. (U. S.) 317.