Force

Power dynamically considered, end. Usually the word occurs in such connections as to show that unluwful or wrongful action is meant, Unlawful violence. It is either simple, as entering upon another’s possession, without doing any other unlawful aet; compound, when some other violence is committed, which of itself alone is criminal; or implied, ag in every trespass, rescous, or disseisin. Power statically considered; that is, at rest, or latent, but capable of being called into activity upon occasion for its exercise. Efficacy; legal validity. This is the meaning when we say that a statute or a contract is “in force.” In old English law. A technical term applied to a species of accessary before the fact. In Seotch law. Cvercion; duress.

Bell.