Forestalling
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
crim. law. Every practice or device, by act, conspiracy, words, or news, to enhance the price of victuals or other provisions.
3 Inst. 196; 3 Bac. Ab. 261; 1 Russ. Cr. 169; 4 Bi. Com. 158.
All endeavours whatever to enhance the common price whether by spreading false rumours, or by buying things in a market before the accustomed hour, are offences at common law, and come under the notion of forestalling, which includes all kinds of offences of this nature.
Hawk. P. C. B. 1, c. 80, s. 1; vide 13 Vin. Ab. 430; Dane’s Ab. Index, h. t.; 4 Com. Dig. 391; 1 East, Rep. 143.