Goods

The word goods, as a technical term of the law is nomen generalissimum,, and has a very extensive meaning.

35 N. H. 483.

In Contracts. The term "goods" is not so wide as "chattels," for it applies to inanimate objects, and does not include animals or chattels real, as a lease for years of house or land, which "chattels" does include.

Co. Litt. 118; 1 Russ. 376.

Goods will not include fixtures.

2 Mass. 495; 4 J. B. Moore, 73.

In a more limited sense, "goods" is used for articles of merchandise.

2 Sharswood, Bl. Comm. 389.

It has been held in Massachusetts that promissory notes were within the term "goods" in the statute of frauds (3 Mete. [Mass.] 365; but see 24 N. H. 484; 4 Dud. [S. C] 28); so stock or shares of an incorporated company (20 Pick. [Mass.] 9; 3 Har. & J. [Md.] 38; 15 Conn. 400); so, in some cases, bank notes and coin (2 Story [U. S.] 52; 5 Mason [U. S.] 537). See "Chattel." In Penal Statutes. In a strict sense, as the word is understood in penal statutes, it is limited to movables belonging to the property of some person, which have an intrinsic value, and does not include securities, which are not valuable in themselves, but merely represent value.

35 N. H. 483.

In Wills. In wills, goods is nomen generalissimum, and, if there is nothing to notes, money, plate, furniture, etc.

35 N. H. 483; 1 Atk. 180-182; 2 Atk. 62; 1 P. Wms. 267; 1 Brown, Ch. 128; 4 Russ. 370; Williams, Ex'rs, 1014; 1 Rop. Leg. 250.

But in general it will be limited by the context of the will. See 2 Belt, Supp. Ves. 287; 1 Chit. Prac. 89, 90; 1 Ves. Jr. 63; 3 Ves. 212; Hammond, Parties, 182; 1 Yeates (Pa.) 101; 2 Dall. (Pa.) 142; Ayliffe, Pand. 296; Weskett, Ins. 260; Sugd. Vend. 493, 497; and the articles "Biens;" "Chattel"; "Furniture."