ancient lights (C1)
noun phrase
Pronunciation: /ˈeɪnʃənt laɪts/
Definition
Rights established by long usage to have light pass without obstruction across a property, typically to a building's windows.
Examples
The court ruled that the construction project would infringe upon the plaintiff's ancient lights.
To preserve their ancient lights, residents successfully lobbied against the proposed high-rise development.
How to Use ancient lights
- ancient lights (noun phrase)
- A right to receive light unobstructed across a property. — "The developer had to consider the impact on the neighboring property's ancient lights."
- infringe upon ancient lights (collocation)
- To violate or trespass on the right to receive unobstructed light. — "The new construction was accused of infringing upon the ancient lights of the adjacent house."
- preserve ancient lights (collocation)
- To protect or maintain the right to receive unobstructed light. — "Homeowners formed a group to preserve their ancient lights from being blocked by a new development."
Synonyms of ancient lights
Words with a similar meaning to ancient lights:
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