Composition

1.

In the law of copyright, the invention or combination of the parts of a work ^ literary, musical, or dramatic: as, in the case of a letter, discourse, or book; or of an opera; but not of a mere exhibition, spectacle, or scene.l See Book, 1; COPYKIGHT; DEAMA; OPERA.

2.

In the law of patents, a, mixture or chemical combination.

See Patent, 2; Process, 2. 3.

Payment of part in satisfaction of the ■whole of a debt.

See Compound, 3.

Composition in bankruptcy or insolvency. A contract by which creditors agree to accept a part of their demands, and to discharge the debtor from liability for the rest. An arrangement between a creditor and his debtor for the discharge of the debt, on terms or by means different from those required by the original contract or by law.2 This may be by a composition agreement so called, by a letter of license, or by a deed of inspectorship.

See License; Inspection, 3.

A strict composition agreement is an agreement whereby the creditors accept a.sum of money, or other thing, at a certain time or times, in full satisfaction and discharge of their respective debts.,2 Obviates the necessity of a discharge by the court; if made in good faith and fairly and strictly conducted, will be upheld. The agreement is evidenced by an instrument signed by the debtor and the creditors, and called a composition deed^ although, at common law, such instrument is not necessaiy.^ See Accord; Bankruptcy; Prefer, 2.

COMPOUIfD.

1, V. (1) To put parts together to form a whole. See Composition. (3) To add interest to principal for a new principal. See Interest, 2 (8). (3) To "compound" a debt is to abate a part on receiving the residue. Demands are > Martinetti v. Maguire, 1 Abb. V. S. 362 (1867); The " lolante " Case, 15 F. E. 439 (1883); 17 F. B. 595, cases; 9 Am. Law Eeg. 33; 23 Bost. L. R. 397. = [4 South. Law Eev. 639-75, 80^42 (1878), cases. s Clarke v. White, 12 Pet. 178 (1838); 20 Cent. Law J..385-88 (1885), cases; 3 Mo Crary, 608; 21 Cal. 122; 49 Conn. compounded when adjusted by payment of part in satisfaction of the whole.! See Composition, 3. (4) To take goods, or other amends, upon an agreement not to prosecute a person for a crime. Compounding a misdemeanor is sometimes allowed by leave of court, as affecting the individual, he having a right of action for damages. Compounding a felony is, at common law, an offense of an equivalent nature [to the felony], and is, besides, an additional misdemeanor against public justice by contributing to make the laws odious.^ See Bote, Theft; Lkqal, Illegal. ■ By Stat. 25 Geo. n (1758), o. 36, advertising a reward for the return of things stolen, " no questions to be asked," subjects the advertiser and the printer to a forfeiture of £50 each.^ 2. adj. See Interest, 2 (8); Larceny.