Vis major
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Bouvier (1839)
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
A greater or superior force; an irresistible force. This term is much used iu the law of bailments to denote the interposition of violence or coercion proceeding from human agency, (wherein it differs from the "act of God,") but of such a character and strength as to be beyond the powers of resistance or control of those against whom it is directed; for example, the attack of the public quemy or a band of pirates. See The George Shiras, 61 Fed. 300, 9 C. C. A. 511; Brousseau v. The Hudson, 11 La. Ann. 428: Nugent v. Smith, 1 C. P. Div. 437. In the civil law, this term is sometimes used as synonymous with "vis divina," or the act of God. Calvin.
Defined under Vis in Black's Law Dictionary.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
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.