Proviso

Proviso prəˈv/ (n.)
Along with the carve-in, carve-out, incluso and provuso, the proviso is one of the fundamental particles of legal construction. While it is undeniably ginger and lily-livered, at least it has the common decency to do something: it takes a stated general principle and weasels out of it.

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“The promisor herewith agrees to pay, unconditionally and in full, all amounts due, provided that on no account shall the promisor be liable for: … [here follows a catalogue of exceptions great and small the sum total of which will equal, or perhaps even exceed, the value of the commitment so generously given].”

Compare with the incluso, which is no more than a legally approved form of verbal incontinence, and a proviso, which combines both to achieve a completely different effect.

Proviso

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