English Language

Combinations of letters do not of themselves constitute "language." They must be formed into words having a known meaning as part of the language and these words must be used in connection with other words in such relation that they convey intelligible meaning. 253 111. 199. ENGROSS (Fv.gros). To copy the rude draught of an instrument in a fair, large hand; to write out, in a large, fair hand, on parchment. The term is applied to statutes, which, after being read and acted on a sufficient number of times, are ordered to be engrossed. Anciently, also, used of the process of making the indenture of a fine. 5 Coke, 39b. In Criminal Law. To buy up such large quantities of an article as to obtain a monopoly of it for the purpose of selling at an unreasonable price. The tendency of modern English law is very decidedly to restrict the application of the law against engrossing, and it is very doubtful if it applies at all except to obtaining a monopoly of provisions. 1 East, 143. Merely buying for the purpose of selling again is not necessarily engrossing. 14 East, 406; 15 East, 511. See 4 Sharswood, Bl. Comm. 159, note, for the law upon this subject.