caveat
(kah-vee-ott) from Latin caveat for "let him beware." 1) a warning or caution. 2) a popular term used by lawyers to point out that there may be a hidden problem or defect. In effect, "I just want to warn you that…."

caveat emptor
(kah-vee-ott emptor) Latin for "let the buyer beware." The basic premise that the buyer buys at his/her own risk and therefore should examine and test a product himself/herself for obvious defects and imperfections.

cease and desist order
An order of a court or government agency to a person, business or organization to stop doing something upon a strong showing that the activity is harmful and/or contrary to law.

certificate of deposit (CD)
A document issued by a bank in return for a deposit of money which pays a fixed interest rate for a specified period (from a month to several years).Interest rates on CD's are usually higher than savings accounts because banking institutions require ...

certificate of incorporation
Document which some states issue to prove a corporation's existence upon the filing of articles of incorporation. In most states the articles are sufficient proof.

certificate of title
Generally, the title document for a motor vehicle issued by the state in which it is registered, describing the vehicle by type and engine number, as well as the name and address of the registered owner and the lienholder (financial institution that ...

certified check
A check issued by a bank which certifies that the maker of the check has enough money in his/her account to cover the amount to be paid. The bank sets aside the funds so that the check will remain good even if other checks are written on the particul ...