a. [f. Falcidius + -AN.] In Falcidian law (Lex Falcidia), a law carried by P. Falcidius, which ordained that no Roman citizen should bequeath more than three-fourths of his estate away from his legal heirs. Hence Falcidian portion, the fourth part thus reserved.
1656–81. in Blount, Glossogr.
1756. G. Harris, trans. Justinian’s Inst., II. xxii. 105. The Falcidian law was at length enacted.
1781. Gibbon, Decl. & F., IV. xliv. 391. His successor … was empowered to retain the Falcidian portion.
