Latent

Hidden; concealed; not appearing on the surface or face of a thing.

Hidden; concealed; that does not appear upon the face of a thing; as, a latent ambiguity. See Ambiguity.

— Latent deed. A deed kept for twenty years or more in a man's scrutoire or strong-box. Wright v. Wright, 7 N. J. Law, 177, 11 Am. Dec. 546.

— Latent defect. A defect in an article sold, which is known to the seller, but not to the purchaser, and is not discoverable by mere observation. See Hoe v. Sanborn, 21 N. Y. 552, 78 Am. Dec. 163. So, a latent defect in the title of a vendor of land is one not discoverable by inspection made with ordinary care. Newell v. Turner, 9 Port. (Ala.) 422

— Latent equity. See Equity.

Hidden; concealed; that does not appear upon the face of a thing.

9 1. ij Tot observable; not apparent: as, latent defects in an article of merchandise or machinery, or in an animal. See Caveat, Emptor; Negligence. 2. Applying equally to two or more different things; opposed to patent: as, a latent ambiguity, q. v.

construction. That which 1s concealed; or which does not appear; for example, if a testator bequeaths to his cousin Peter his white horse; and at the time making his will and at his death he had two cousins named Peter, and he owned two white horses, the ambiguity in this case would be latent, both as respects the legatee, and the thing bequeathed. Vide Bac. Max. Reg. 23, and article Ambiguity. A LAW 7 be explained by the same kind of proof. 5 Co. 69.