Public-domain · open source
OpenJurist

Hand

Defined in 6 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Kinney (1893), Black's (1891)

The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary

Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922

A measure of length, four Inches long; used in ascertaining the height of horses. HAND BOROW (from hand, and Saxon borow, a pledge.) Nine of a decennary or friborg were so called, being inferior to the tenth or head borow, — a decenna or friborga being ten freemen or frankpledges, who were mutually sureties for each other to the king for any damage. Du Cange, "Friborg," "Head Borow." HAND GRITH (Saxon). Peace or protection given by the king with his own hand. Cowell.

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

Four inches.

Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia

John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914

A measure of length, four inches long: used in ascertaining the height of horses. In legal parlance, handwriting or written signature, as “witness my hand,” etc. Salazar V. Taylor, 18 Colo. 538, 33 Pac. 369; 10 Mod. 103.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

A measure of length equal to four inches, used in measuring the height of horses. A person's signature.

In old English law. An oath. For the meaning of the terms "strong hand" and "clean hands," sce those titles.

A Law Dictionary and Glossary

George C. Kinney · 1893

In old English law. An oath; so called from the use of the hand in making it; one who made oath, especially one who swore for another; a compurgator.

A Dictionary of Law

Henry Campbell Black · 1891

A measure of length equal to four inches, used in measuring the height of horses, A person's signature.

In old English law. An oath.