In what direction? Who? No, we are not paraphrasing lines from Abbott and Costello`s old routine “Who is first?” We refer to the etymology of qua, a term that comes to us from Latin. It can be translated as “in what way” or “like” and is a derivative of the Latin which, meaning “who”. Qua has served as a preposition for English since the 17th century. It`s a learned but practical little word that prompted a 20th century writer to comment: “Qua is sometimes considered preoccupied or presumptuous, but it conveys economic significance.” Traditional meaning of qua in English (with legal use of this Latin concept in England and the United States in the nineteenth century) [1]: (in Latin) As; in the property of. As executor: as executor, etc. From which. The judge or court by which an action has been brought in error, on appeal or otherwise removed shall be called a judge or tribunal a quo; a qua. Abbott “Qua.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/qua. Retrieved 9 January 2022. Merriam-Webster`s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996. Short dictionary of (mostly American) legal terms and abbreviations.
Latin, as of the feminine singular ablative of whom to more with whom Latin Considered as; in character or ownership of. For example, “the trustee qua trustee [i.e. in his capacity as trustee is not responsible” etc. (see-nay kwah nahn) Latin prep. for “without which it could not be”, an indispensable act or condition. Example: If Charlie Careless hadn`t left the keys in the ignition, his 10-year-old son wouldn`t have been able to start the car and secure it with Polly Playmate. Charlie`s act was therefore the sine qua non of Playmate`s injury. Dictionary of West`s Encyclopedia of American Law. 2005. See full definition of qua in the English Language Learners Dictionary.
