in forma pauperis
adjective or adverb
in for·ma pau·pe·ris ˌin-ˈfȯr-mə-ˈpȯ-pə-rəs 
-ˈpau̇-
: as a poor person
Word History
Etymology
Latin, in the form of a pauper
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Legal Definition
in forma pauperis
adjective or adverb
in for·ma pau·pe·ris ˌin-ˈfȯr-mə-ˈpȯ-pə-rəs, -ˈfȯr-mä-ˈpau̇-pe-rēs
: as a poor person : relieved of the fees and costs of a legal action because of inability to pay
allowed to file an appeal in forma pauperis
in forma pauperis status