Lis

I. A controversy or dispute; a suit at law. Lis alibi pendens: an action pending elsewhere; a plea of such an action. Lis mota: a controversy originated; a term frequently used in the discussion of evidence in matters of pedigree, and held to import not an actual suit commenced, but a dispute or controversy originating prior to the beginning of judicial proceedings. Lis pendens: a pending suit; the actual pendency of a suit, or other judicial proceeding; in a suit regarding land, such legal process as gives notice to all the ■world of a dispute as to the title; in equity, except by statute requiring record, the filing of a bill and service of a subpoena. In the civil law. Lis pendens: a suit pending.