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“abusus non tollit usum”
Abusus non tollit usum.
Misuse does not nullify proper use.
Generally, this maxim says that the value of a procedure, an object, etc., is not destroyed by improper use. It is extended to mean that the improper use of a word does not destroy its proper use, and those who "misuse" the language are not given the right to abuse words because of their ignorance or carelessness.
This entry is located in the following units:
Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group A
(page 5)
us-, ut-
(page 1)