Statute-merchant

In English law

A security for a debt acknowledged to be due, entered into bsfore the chief magistrate of some trading town, pursuant to the statute 13 Edw. I. De Mercatoribus, by which not only the body of the debtor might be imprisoned, and his goods seized in satisfaction of the debt, but also his lands might be delivered to the creditor till out of the rents and profits of them the debt be satisfied.

2 Bl. Comm. 160.

Now fallen into disuse.

1 Steph. Comm. 287. See Yates v. People, 6 Johns. (N. Y.) 404.