Several

Distinct; separate; the opposite of joint. A w Ul provided for a division of testator's property after the " several deaths " of four persons named. Held, that " several " should not be deemed synonymous with "respective," but that the intention was that the division be postponed until all four were deceased, thus avoiding the will under the statute against perpetuities.

Colton V. Fox, 67 N. Y. 348.

Several actions

A phrase which denotes separate actions brought against different defendants in respect of the same subject-matter; as in the case where the different partners of a firm are sued separately in respect of a partnership debt. Several covenant, or obligation. A covenant or obligation made by two or more persons, so that they are liable distinctly, and not jointly; so that they are separately bound by it.

Several fishery

A fishery of which the owner is also the owner of the soil, or derives his right from the owner of the soil.

2 Bl. Com. 39, 40; 1 Steph. Com. 671, note.

Several inheritance

An inheritance conveyed in such manner as to descend or come down to two or more persons severally, and not jointly, by moieties.

Cunningham.

Several pleas. Different pleas disclosing independent grounds of defence to the same action. This was allowed by Stat. 4 & 5 Anne, ch. 16; but under the judicature act, a defendant in an action, having several grounds of defence, must combine them in his statement of defence.

Several tail

This expression is used to denote a limitation whereby land is given and entailed severally to two. For example, land is given to two men and their wives, and the heirs of their bodies begotten; the donees have a joint estate for their have his moiety, and the issue of the other his moiety. Cowel. Several tenancy. See Sevekaltt. SEVERALTY; SEVERAL TEN-