Duodecima manus

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

Twelve men’s oath.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

Twelve hands. The oaths of twelve men, including himself, by whom the defendant was allowed to make his law. 3 Bl. Comm. 348.

A Dictionary of Law

Henry Campbell Black · 1891

Twelve hands. The oaths of twelve men, including

Glossary of Technical Terms, Phrases, and Maxims of the Common Law

Frederic Jesup Stimson · 1881

I. (Twelfth hand.) The oath of twelve men.

A New Law Dictionary and Glossary

Alexander M. Burrill · 1850

Lat. [L. Fr. dozyme meyn.] The twelfth hand; twelve hands, or twelve-hand. The oath of twelve men, (including the party himself, though Britton makes it to be exclusive,) by whom a defendant was formerly allowed to make his law. Glanv. lib. 1, c. 9. Bract. fol. 410. Britt. c. 21. 3 Bl. Com. 343. Il covint aver oue luy xi maynz de jurer oue luy, &c.; it behooves to have with him eleven hands to swear with him, &c. Dyversite des Courts, fol. 305. Called hands, because the hand was always used in making oath, and generally by laying it on the gospels. See Manus, Hand, Compurgator, Wager of law.