Fine Force
Defined in 7 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Kinney (1893), Stimson (1881), Burrill (1850)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
An absolute necessity or inevitable constraint. Old Nat. Brev. 78; Plowd. 94; 6 Coke, 11; Cowell. FINE SUR COGNIZANCE DE DROIT come ceo que II ad de son done. A fine upon acknowledgment of the right of the cognizee as that which he hath of the gift of the cognizor. By this the deforciant acknowledges in court a former feoffment or gift in possession to have been made by him to the plaintiff. 2 Bl. Comm. 352; Cunningham; Shep. Touch, c. 2; Comyn, Dig. "Fine." FINE SUR COGNIZANCE DE DROIT tantum. A fine upon acknowledgment of the right merely.. Generally used to pass a reversionary interest which is in the cognizor. 2 Bl. Comm. 351; Jacob; Comyn, Dig.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
An absolute necessity or inevitable constraint Old N. B. 78; Plowd. 94; 6 Co. 11; Cowell.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
A Law Dictionary and Glossary
George C. Kinney · 1893
I. fr.
In old English law. An absolute necessity or constraint, not avoidable.
Glossary of Technical Terms, Phrases, and Maxims of the Common Law
Frederic Jesup Stimson · 1881
/r. Absolute necessity.
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary
Alexander M. Burrill · 1850
Fr. [fine, from Fr. fin, crafty or subtle; or artificial or exact.] In old English law. An absolute necessity or constraint, not avoidable. When a man was constrained to do that which he could in no way avoid, he was said to do it de fine force. Cowell. Old N. Brev. fol. 78. Stat. 35 Hen. VIII. c. 12. So a fine force, (q. v.) The word fine seems to be used in this phrase, in the same sense as the modern word pure.