Suit

In its broadest sense, any proceeding in a court of justice by which a party pursues a remedy which the law affords him. In this sense, it is a broader term than "action," including proceedings in personam and in rem. "Suit" applies to criminal proceedings (143 Mass. 136), and proceedings both in equity and at law (20 How. Pr. [N. Y.] 381). In a narrower sense, "suit" has been held synonymous with "action."

4 Wall. (U. S.) 112.

And "suit" is commonly applied to proceedings in equity, and "action" to proceedings at law.

9 Barb. (N. Y.) 300.

In Louisiana. A suit is a real, personal, or mixed demand made before a competent judge, by which the parties pray to obtain their rights and a decision of their disputes. Code Prac. art.

96.

In that acceptation, the words "suit," "process," and "cause" are in that state almost synonymous. At Common Law. The term had several meanings, not included in the idea of proceedings in court, as: (1) Suit of court, an attendance which a tenant owes to his lord's court. Cowell; Jacob. (2) Suit covenant, where one has covenanted to do suit and service in his lord's court. (3) Suit custom, where service is owed time out of mind. (4) The following one in chase; as, fresh suit. (5) A petition to a king, or a great person, or a court.