Privilege

An exemption or immunity peculiar to a particular person or body. Commonly applied to the various special rights and immunities of legislators, and to the privilege of witnesses from testifying to certain facts as self-incriminating ones. See "Privileged Communications." In Civil Law. A right which the nature of a debt gives to a creditor, and which entitles him to be preferred before other creditors. Code La. art.

3153; Dalloz, "Privilege;" Domat, Lois Civ. liv. 2. tit. 1, § 4, note 1.

In Maritime Law. An allowance to the master of a ship of the general nature with primage, being compensation, or rather a gratuity, customary in certain trades, and which the law assumes to be a fair and equitable allowance, because the contract on both sides is made under the knowledge of such usage by the parties.