let the buyer beware

let the buyer beware

English

Etymology

Calque of Latin caveat ēmptor.

Verb

let the buyer beware

1. It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure the soundness of goods or services prior to his purchase of them.
   • 1645 March 4th, John Milton, “Tetrachordon, or Expoſitions upon the four chief place of Scripture which treat of Marriage, or Nullities in Marriage” in A Complete Collection of the Hiſtorical, Political, and Miſcellaneous Works of John Milton, both Engliſh and Latin, volume 1 (1698), page 348

     Why ſhould his own error bind him, rather then the others fraud acquit him? Let the buyer beware, ſaith the old Law-beaten termer.