ore tenus
/ˈɔːrɪ ˈtɛnəs/Law
adverb
By word of mouth; orally; without written statements.
noun
A form of legal proceeding conducted orally, without written statements; specifically a form of summary oral procedure used in the Star Chamber in the 16th and 17th centuries.
adjective
Verbal, oral; of or relating to an ore tenus.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in William Lambarde (1536–1601), antiquary and lawyer. From post-classical Latin ore tenus by word of mouth from classical Latin ōre, ablative of ōs mouth + tenus as far as.