from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Minimus \Min"i*mus\, n.; pl. {Minimi}. [L. See {Minim}.]
1. A being of the smallest size. [Obs.] --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Anat.) The little finger; the fifth digit, or that
corresponding to it, in either the manus or pes.
[1913 Webster]
{de minimis} or {de minimus} a.of trifling consequence or
importance; too insignificant to be worthy of concern; --
a reference to the phrase {de minimis non curat lex}.
{de minimis non curat lex} [Latin] The law does not concern
itself with trifles; -- a principle of law, that even if a
technical violation of a law appears to exist according to
the letter of the law, if the effect is too small to be of
consequence, the violation of the law will not be
considered as a sufficient cause of action, whether in
civil or criminal proceedings.
[PJC]