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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Unwritten


UNWRITTEN, adjective unrit'n.

1. Not written; not reduced to writing; verbal.

2. Blank; containing no writing.

UNWRITTEN doctrines, in religion, are such as have been handed down by word of mouth; oral or traditional doctrines.

UNWRITTEN laws, are such as have been delivered down by tradition or in songs. Such were the laws of the early nations of Europe.

The unwritten laws of England and of the United States, called common law, are such as have not the authority of statutes, not having originated from any legislative act, or originating from some act not now extant. These laws are now contained in the reports of judicial decisions.