E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Præmuni’re.
A barbarous word from the Latin prœmone’ri (to be forewarned). The words of the writ begin “Prœmunire facias A.B.”—i.e. “Cause A. B. to be forewarned,” to appear before us to answer the contempt wherewith he stands charged. If A. B. refuses to do so, he loses all civil rights, and before the reign of Elizabeth might have been slain by anyone with impunity.
