[L., summum (see SUMMUM BONUM), jūs right, law.] The utmost rigor of the law, extreme severity.
1588. J. Udall, Diotrephes (Arb.), 29. Summum ius, must be your best help in this case.
1609. J. Davies, Humour’s Heaven, I. ccxii. To rule them with the Rod of Summumius.
1668. Wilkins, Real Char., II. viii. § 3. 207. Summum Jus, Rigidness, sourness, unreasonableness, iniquity.
1692. T. Watson, Body Divin., 50. God doth not go according to the summum jus, or rigour of the Law.
1774. Burke, Corr. (1844), I. 485. The strict letter and summum jus of decorum and propriety.
