PEREGRINUS

The description in Roman law of all foreigners or persons other than citizens sojourning or domiciled within Roman territory. Originally peregrini were entirely without rights, unless they obtained a patronus, except in cases where there was a treaty (foedus) with the State to which they belonged, regulating the legal position of the subjects of the two States respectively. But the increasing intercourse between Rome and other States, and the consequent growth in the number of peregrini in Rome, made it necessary to grant to all foreigners a definite competency to acquire property, enter into obligations, and the like; and for the decision of civil suits between foreigners and citizens, or of foreigners among themselves, a special proetor (q.v.) was appointed. From the public, private, and sacrificial law of Rome they were always excluded. (See also CIVITAS.)