Threat

A menace brought to the knowledge of the one sought to be affected thereby.

84 Iowa 473; 51 N. W. 25.

It may aflfect the life, character, or property of the person against whom it is made. It need not be in any particular form or phrase, but must be directly made. Any language which conveys with sufficient clearness to be understood the proposition that a charge will be made is enough. The threat may be bluntly spoken, or it may be thinly veiled in suggestive terms.

69 111. App. 399.

Threats in themselves are not indictable or actionable, but if a threat is accompanied by appearance of present ability and intention to carry out the threat, it is an assault (1 Ired. [N. C] 125); and, if made with the purpose of extorting money it is a misdemeanor at common law (1 Hawk. [P. C] c. 53, § 1). If business is interrupted, or freedom of locomotion is restrained, it is actionable.

27 Mich. 267.