Owner

He who has dominion of a thing, real or personal, corporeal or incorporeal, which he has a right to enjoy and do with as he pleases, even to spoil or destroy it, as far as the law permits, unless he be prevented by some agreement or covenant which restrains his right.

31 Cal. 649.

The term has no exact technical meaning.

Hare, Am. Const. Law, 355.

As applied to lands, it has been said to include all who had an interest therein, though it fall short of ownership of the fee. (38 Mich. 171; 2 Ohio St. 114), and it has been applied both to the holder of the legal title (6 Hun [N. Y.] 553) and of an equitable estate (21 Minn. 107). In like manner, as applied to personalty, it has been held to include one having a temporary right of possession.

44 Conn. 298.

Such persons are ordinarily designated as "special owner," in contradistinction from "general owner," in whom is the full title.

See 10 Cush. (Mass.) 399; 50 Mich. 249.