from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
TRADITIO BREVIS MANUS. This term is used in the civil law to designate the
delivery of a thing, by the mere consent of the parties; as, when Peter
holds the property of Paul as bailee, and, afterwards, he buys it, it is not
necessary that Paul should deliver the property to Peter, and he should re-
deliver it to Paul, the mere consent of the parties transfers the title to
Paul. 1 Duverg. n. 252; 6 Shipl. R. 231; Poth. Pand. lib. 50, CDLXXIV.; 1
Bouv. Inst. n. 944.