De ventre inspiciendo — Law Dictionary

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

A writ to examine into a woman’s pregnancy.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

A writ to inspect the body, where a woman feigns to be pregnant, to see whether she is with child. It lies for the heir presumptive to examine a widow suspected to be feigning pregnancy in order to enable a supposititious heir to obtain the estate. 1 Bl. Comm. 456; 2 Steph. Comm. 287. It lay also where a woman sentenced to death pleaded pregnancy. 4 Bl. Comm. 495. This writ has been recognized in America. 2 ChancL Crim. Tr. 381.

A Dictionary of Law

Henry Campbell Black · 1891

A writ to inspect the body, where a woman feigns to be pregnant, to see whether she is with child. It lies for the heir presumptive to examine a widow suspected to be feigning pregnancy in order to enable a supposititious heir to obtain the estate. 1 Bl. Comm. 456; 2 Steph. Comm. 287. This writ has been recognized in America. 2 Chand. Crim. Tr. 381.

A New Law Dictionary and Glossary

Alexander M. Burrill · 1850

Breve, L. Lat. Writ of (or for) inspecting the belly. A writ which a presumptive heir may have in England, to examine a widow suspected of feigning herself preg^nant, (with a view to produce a supposititious heir to the estate,) in order to ascertain whether she be with child or not. 1 Bl, Com. 466. 2 Steph, Com. 318. Reg, Orig. 227. Bract, fol. 69 b.