Purpresture

An inclosure by a private individual of a part of a common or public domain. According to Lord Coke, purpresture is a close or inclosure, that is, when one encroaches or makes several to himself that which ought to be in common to many; as, if an individual were to build between hig:h and low water mark on the side of a public river. In England this is a nuisance, and in cases of this kind an injunction will be granted, on ex parte affidavits, to restrain such a purpresture and nuisance.

2 Bouv. Inst, note 2382; 4 Bouv. Inst, note 3798; 2 Inst. 28.

And see Skene de Verb. Sign.; Glanv. lib.

9, c. 11. p. 239, note; Spelman; Hale de Port Mar.; Harg. Tr. 84; 2 Anstr. 606; Callis, Sew. 174.

PURPRISUM (Law Lat.; from Law Fr. pourpris, an inclosure). In old records. A close or inclosure.

Cowell.

The whole compass of a manor.

Cowell.

PURQ' (Law Fr. wherefore). A word used in old practice, at the end of pleas, argud'dons judgt, et prions nos da/n^', wherefore, for want of an answer, we demand judgment and pray our damages. The clause is sometimes abbreviated, purq', etc.