Coverture
Defined in 7 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Kinney (1893), Black's (1891), Burrill (1850), Bouvier (1839)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
The condition or state of a married woman. During coverture, the civil existence of the wife is, for many purposes, merged in that of her husband. See "Abatement;" "Parties."
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
The condition or state of a married woman. During coverture the civil existence of the wife is, for many purposes, merged in that of her husband; 2 Steph. Com. 263. See Abatement; Pasties; Married Women.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
A Law Dictionary and Glossary
George C. Kinney · 1893
The condition of a woman during marriage.
A Dictionary of Law
Henry Campbell Black · 1891
The condition or state of a married woman. Sometimes used ellip. tically to describe the legal disability arising from a state of coverture.
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary
Alexander M. Burrill · 1850
[from covert, q. v.] A covering; a state of being covered or protected; or, according to Lord Coke, a state of subjection or dependence. Co. Litt, 112 a. The condition of a woman during marriage is so called. 1 Bl. Com. 442. 2 Steph. Com. 298. Cowell.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
The state or condition of a’ married woman. During coverture, the being of the wife is merged, for many purposes, into that of her husband, she can, therefore, in general, make no contracts without his consent, express or implied. Com. Dig. Baron and Feme, W; Pleader, 2 A 1; 1 Ch. Pl. 19,45; Litt. s. 28; Chit. Contr. 39. ‘To this rule there are some exceptions; she may contract, when it is for her benefit, as te save her from starvation. Chit. Contr. 40. In some cases, when coercion has been used by the husband to induce her to commit crime, she is exemptod from punishment. 1 Hale, P. C. 516; 1 Russ. Cr. 16. ' COVIN, fraud, is a secret contrivance between two or more persons to defraud and prejudice another of his rights. Co. Litt. 357, b; Com. Dig. Covin, A; 1 Vin. Abr. 473; Vide Collusion; Fraud.