Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
Rawle's 3rd Revision, 1914 — browse every term in this dictionary, A–Z.
Showing the 9,252 terms defined in Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia. Browse all dictionaries
- Avetdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
In Scotch Law. To abet or assist. Tomlin, Diet. AVIATICUS (Lat). In Civil Law. A grandson.
The air space above the high seas and unoccupied territory is admittedly free to all nations and persons. It is with the air space above territorial lands and waters that conflicti
In French Law. A barrister or advocate.
- Avoidancedefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)
A making void, useless, or empty. In Ecclesiastical Law. It exists when a benefice becomes vacant for want of an incumbent. In Pleading. Repelling or excluding the conclusions or i
- Avoucherdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)
See Voucher.
In French and Canadian Law. A solicitor or attorney.
- Avowdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Anderson (1889)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)
To acknowledge the commission of an act and claim that it was done with right. 3 Bla. Com. 150. To make an avowry. For example, when replevin is brought for a thing distrained, and
One who makes an avowry.
An advocate of a church benefice.
- Avowrydefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)
The answer of defendant in an action of replevin brought to recover property taken in distress, in which he acknowledges the taking, and, setting forth the cause thereof, claims a
- Avowtererdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
In English Law. An adulterer with whom a married woman continues in adultery. Termes de la Ley.
- Avowtrydefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Burrill (1850)
In English Law. The crime of adultery.
- Avulsiondefined inCase LawBallentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Anderson (1889)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)
The removal of a considerable quantity of soil from the land of one man and its deposit upon or annexation to the land of another, suddenly and by the perceptible action of water.
In Civil Law. A mother's brother. 2 Bla. Com. 230.
- Awarddefined inCase LawU.S. CodeBallentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)
The decision of arbitrators or referees of a case submitted for arbitration under agreement of the parties or rule of court. See Arbitration and Award.
- Away-Going Cropdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)
A crop sown before the expiration of a tenancy, which cannot ripen until after its expiration, to which, however, the tenant is entitled. Broom, Max. 306. See Emblements.
See Third-Night-Awn- Hinde.
This term, which is used in Louisiana, signifies one to whom a right has been assigned, either by will, gift, sale, exchange, or the like; an assignee. An ayant cause differs from
A term of reproach originally applied to the disability of infancy when pleaded by an adult in bar of recovery upon a contract made while he was under age, but extends to any plea
The commonalty as distinguished from the baronage. Cunningham, L. Diet.
In modern use, one who has taken the first degree (baccalaureate) in the liberal arts and sciences, or in law, medicine, or divinity, in a college or university. A man who has neve
A bond of indemnification given to a surety. In Scotch Law. A declaration of trust; a defeasance; a bond given by one who is apparently absolute owner, so as to reduce his right to
In forest law, the crime of having, on the back, game unlawfully killed.
- Backingdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)
Indorsement Indorsement by a magistrate. Backing a warrant becomes necessary when it is desired to serve it in a county other than that in which it was first issued. In such a case
- Backsidedefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)Bouvier (1839)
A yard at the back part of or behind a house, and belonging thereto. The term was formerly much used both in conveyances and in pleading, but is now of infrequent occurrence except
See Backadation.
That water in a stream which, in consequence of some obstruction below, is detained or checked in its course, or re-flows. The term is usually employed to designate the water which
Vicious, evil, wanting in good qualities: the reverse of good. See Riddell v. Thayer, 127 Mass. 487; Tobias v. Harland, 4 Wend. (N. Y.) 537.
A mark or sign worn by some persons, or placed upon certain things, for the purpose of designation. Some public officers, as watchmen, policemen, and the like are required to wear
- Badge Of Frauddefined inCase LawCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Black's (1891)
A term used in the law of conveyances made to hinder and defraud creditors. It is defined as a fact tending to throw suspicion upon a transaction, and calling for an explanation. B
(From the French bagage, a bundle, and thence is derived bagagier, a carrier of goods). One who buys corn and victuals in one place and carries them to another to sell and make a p
An uncertain quantity of goods and merchandise, from three to four hundred. Jacob. the collection of a certain tribute or toll upon all manner of wares brought to that city to be s
- Baggagedefined inCase LawCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Anderson (1889)
Such articles of apparel, ornament, etc., as are in daily use by travellers, for convenience, comfort, or recr< "It includes whatever the passenger takes with him for his personal
An action in which the defendant is entitled to be discharged from arrest only upon giving bond to answer.
Process under which the sheriff is directed to arrest the defendant and is required by law to discharge him upon his tendering suitable bail as security for his appearance. A capia
- Bail Bonddefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
A specialty by which the defendant and other persons become bound to the sheriff in a penal sum proportioned to the damages claimed in the action, and which is conditioned for the
A court auxiliary to the court of King's Bench at Westminster, wherein points connected more particularly with pleading and practice were argued and determined. Wharton, Law Diet 2
Formerly at the Old Bailey, in London, a small room taken from one of the corners of the court, and left open at the top, in which certain malefactors were placed during trial. Cen
- Baileedefined inCase LawCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Anderson (1889)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)Bouvier (1839)
One to whom goods are bailed; the party to whom personal property is delivered under a contract of bailment His duties are to act in good faith, and perform his undertaking, in res
- Bailiedefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)
In Scotch Law. An officer appointed to give infeftment. In certain cases it is the duty of the sheriff, as king's bailie, to act: generally, any one may be made bailie, by filling
- Bailiffdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Stimson (1881)
A person to whom some authority, care, guardianship, or jurisdiction is delivered, committed, or intrusted. Spelman, Gloss. A sheriff's officer or deputy. 1 Bla. Com. 344. A court
- Bailiwickdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)Bouvier (1839)
The jurisdiction of a sheriff or bailiff. 1 Bla. Com. 344. A liberty or exclusive jurisdiction which was exempted from the sheriff of the county, and over which the lord appointed
In Canadian Law. The unpaid vendor of real estate. His claim is subordinate to that of a subsequent hypothecary creditor claiming under a conveyance of prior registration: 1 Low. C
- Baillidefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
In Old French Law. One to whom judicial authority was assigned or delivered by a superior. Black, L. Diet.
- Bailordefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)Bouvier (1839)
He who bails a thing to another. The bailor must act with good faith towards the bailee; Story, Bailm. § 74; permit him to enjoy the thing bailed according to contract; and in some
See Legitim.
To bait is to attack with violence; to provoke and harass. 2 A. & E. Encyc. 63; L. R. 9 Q. B. 3S0. BAL/ENA. A large fish, called by Blackstone a whale. Of this the king had the hea
- Balancedefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Anderson (1889)
The amount which remains due by one of two persons, who have been dealing together, to the other, after the settlement of their accounts. In the case of mutual debts, the balance o
In International Law. A distribution and an opposition of forces, forming one system, so that no state shall be in a position, either alone or united with others, to impose its wil
A statement made by merchants and others to show the true state of a particular business. A balance sheet should exhibit all the balances of debits and credits, also the value of m
A quantity or pack of goods or merchandise, wrapped or packed in cloth and tightly corded. Wharton. A bale of cotton means a bale compressed so as to occupy less space than if in;
- Baliusdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
In Civil Law. A teacher; one who has the care of youth; a tutor; a guardian. Du Cange, Bajultis; Spelmau, Gl BALI V A (spelled also Balliva). Equivalent to Balivatus. Bolivia, a ba
That which is used for trimming a ship to bring it down to a draft of water proper and safe for sailing. Great Western Ins. Co. v. Thwing, 13 WalL (U. S.) 674, 20 L. Ed. 607.
- Ballastagedefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Black's (1891)Bouvier (1839)
A toll paid for the privilege of taking up ballast from the bottom of the port. This arises from the property In the soil; 2 Chitty, Coram. Law 16. V
A fortress or bulwark; also BALLIVO AMOVENDO (L. Lat. for removing a bailiff). A writ to remove a bailiff out of his office.
- Ballotdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Anderson (1889)
Originally a ball used in voting; hence, a piece of paper, or other thing used for the same purpose; whole amount of votes cast. The act of voting by balls or tickets. Webster. A b
- Bandefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)
In Old English and Civil Law. A proclamation; a public notice; the announcement of an intended marriage. Cowell. An excommunication; a curse, publicly pronounced. A proclamation of
- Banalitydefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)
In Canadian Law. The right by virtue of which a lord subjects his vassals to grind at his mill, bake at his oven, etc. Used also of the region within which this right applied. Guyo
Advocates; countors; Serjeants. Applied to advocates in the common pleas courts. 1 Bla. Com. 24. BANCUS (Lat). A bench; the seat or bench of justice; a stall or table on which good
A man outlawed; one under ban.
- Banedefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)Bouvier (1839)
A malefactor. Bracton, L 1, t 8, c. 1.
- Banishmentdefined inCase LawCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Black's (1891)Bouvier (1839)
A punishment inflicted upon criminals, by compelling them to quit a city, place, or country for a specified period of time, or for life. See Cooper v. Telfair, 4 Dall. (U. S.) 14,
Bank notes, checks, and other securities for money received as cash by banks in the place where the word is used. In the United States, the notes issued by the national banks have
- Bank Accountdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Black's (1891)
A fund which merchants, traders, and others have deposited into the common cash of some bank, to be drawn out by checks from time to time as the owner or depositor may require.
This term in an action on a bill of exchange is equivalent to expenses of noting and may be especially endorsed as a liquidated demand; [1893] 1 Q. B. 31S.
A credit with a bank by which, on proper security given to the bank, a person receives liberty to draw to a certain extent agreed upon. In Scotland also called a cash account. Such
A promissory note given by a private banker or banking institution, not incorporate, but resembling a bank note in all other respects. 6 Mod. 29; 3 Chit. Comm. Law 590.
A promissory note, payable on demand to the bearer, made and issued by a person or persons acting as bankers and authorized by law to issue such notes. The definition is confined t
- Bankruptdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
Originally and strictly, a trader who secretes himself or does certain other acts tending to defraud his creditors. 2 Bla. Com. 471. A broken-up or ruined trader. Everett v. Stone,
- Bankruptcydefined inCase LawCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)Bouvier (1839)
The state or condition of a bankrupt. See Insolvency.
The capital of a bank. In England the sum is applied chiefly to the stock of the Bank of England.
- Banleucadefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
A certain space surrounding towns or cities, distinguished by peculiar privileges. Spelman, Gloss. It is the same as the French uanlieue.
In Canadian Law. See Ban-
A small flag bearing a device or symbol and intended to be carried or waved. L. R. 2 P. C. 387. A canvas, particolored or bearing party words and stretched across a street is a ban
- Banneretdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
A degree of honor next after a baron's, when conferred by the king;
One outlawed or banished. Calvinus, Lex.
Public notice or proclamation of a matrimonial contract, and the intended celebration of the marriage of the parties in pursuance of such contract, to the end that persons objectin
- Bannumdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
A ban.
- Bardefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)Bouvier (1839)
To Actions. A perpetual destruction of the action of the plaintiff. It is the exceptio peremptoria of the ancient authors. Co. Litt. 303 b; Steph. PI. App. xxviii. It is always a p
Associations of members of the bar have been organized in most of the states. The first of them was in Mississippi in 1825, but it is not known to have had a continued existence. O
Barbers were incorporated with the surgeons of London, but not to practice surgery, except the drawing of teeth; 32 Hen. VIII. c. 42. The business of a barber involves the public h
A fee taken by the sheriff, time out of mind, for every prisoner who is acquitted. Bacon, Abr. Extortion. Abolished by stats. 14 Geo. III. c. 26; 55 Geo. III. c. 50; 8 & 9 Vict. c.
- Bargaindefined inCase LawCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Anderson (1889)
It signifies a contract or agreement between two parties, the one to sell goods or lands, and the other to buy them. Hunt v. Adams, 5 Mass. 358, 4 Am. Dec. 68.
- Bargain And Saledefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)Bouvier (1839)
A contract or bargain by the owner of land, in consideration of money or its equivalent paid, to sell land to another person, called the bargainee, whereupon a use arises in favor
- Bargaineedefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)
The grantee of an estate in a <lred of bargain and sale. The person to whom property is tendered in a bargain.
- Bargainordefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)
The person who makes a bargain; he who is to deliver the property and receive the consideration.
- Barodefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)
A man, whether slave or free. Si quis homicidium perpetraverit in barone libero seu servo, if any one shall have perpetrated a murder upon any man, slave or free. A freeman or free
- Barondefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Stimson (1881)Burrill (1850)Bouvier (1839)
A general title of nobility. 1 Bla. Com. 39S; a particular title of nobility, next to that of viscount. The lowest title in Great Britain. Originally barons comprehended all the no
- Baronagedefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Burrill (1850)
A term used to the entire nobility of England of all ranks.
See Barons of thi: Exchequer.
- Baronetdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
A British title of hereditary rank next below that of a baron; it is the only title of hereditary knighthood. It is given by patent, not by investiture. The order was fouuded in 16
Man and woman; husband and wife. It ts doubtful if the words had originally In this phrase more meaning than man and woman. The vulgar use of man and woman for husband and wife sug
- Barons Of The Cinque Portsdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Black's (1891)
C-HTQ1 r. Ports. —
- Barons Of The Exchequerdefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)
The Judges of the exchequer. See Exchequer.
- Baronydefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Burrill (1850)
The dignity of a baron; a species of tenure; the territory or lands held by a baron. Spelman, Gloss. It is possible that this tenure was distinct from that of knight service. 2 Hol
- Barratordefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Black's (1891)Burrill (1850)Bouvier (1839)
One who commits barratry. BARRATRY (Fr. barat, baraterie, robbery, deceit, fraud). Sometimes written Barretry. The offence of frequently exciting and siir- •ring up quarrels and su
A measure of capacity, equal to thirty-six gallons.
- Barren Moneydefined inCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Black's (1891)
A debt which bears no interest.
The incapacity to produce a child. This, when arising from impotence which existed at the time the relation was entered into, is a cause for dissolving a marriage; 1 Fodere, Med. L
- Barterdefined inU.S. CodeCyclopedic (1922)Ballentine's (1916)Bouvier (1914)Black's (1910)Kinney (1893)Anderson (1889)Bouvier (1839)
A contract by which parties exchange goods for goods. It differs from a sale in that a barter is always of goods for goods; a sale is of goods for money, or for money and goods. In