Early 17th century; earliest use found in Clement Edmondes (?1568–1622), government official. From classical Latin sub hastā from sub + hastā, ablative of hasta spear.
Definition of sub hasta in US English:
sub hasta
adverbˌsʌb ˈhastə
At public auction.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Clement Edmondes (?1568–1622), government official. From classical Latin sub hastā from sub + hastā, ablative of hasta spear.