‖ ˈoreˈtenusLaw. The med.L. phrase ore tenus by word of mouth; hence as n. (nonce-wd.), A sentence by word of mouth. a1639Carew Cœl. Brit.Wks. (1824) 159 Vulcan was brought to an Oretenus and fined for driving in a plate of iron into one of the Sunne's chariot-wheeles.