Ochlocracy

A government where the authority is in the hands of the multitude; OCTABIS (Law Lat. from octo, eight).

In old practice. The octave. Fleta, lib. 2, c. 35. See "Octave." OCTAVE (Law Lat. utas).

In old English practice. The eighth day inclusive after a feast. 3 Bl. Comm. 277, OCTO TALES (Lat. eight such). If, when a trial at bar is called on, the number of jurors in attendance is too small, the trial must be adjourned, and a decern or octo tales awarded, according to the number deficient; as, at common law, namely, a writ to the sheriff to summon eight more such men as were originally summoned. 3 Bl. Comm. 364. OCTROI (Fr.)

In old French law. Originally, a duty, which, by the permission of the seigneur, any city was accustomed to collect on liquors and some other goods, brought within its precincts, for the consumption of the inhabitants. Afterwards appropriated to the use of the king. Steph. Lect. p. 361.

A government where the authority is in the hands of the multitude; the abuse of a democracy. Vaumene, Diet, du Langage Politique. Mob rule. See Govern men 7. OCTAVE (Law Lat. utas). In Old English Practice. The eighth day inclusive after a feast. 3 Bla. Com. 277. OCTO TALES (Lat. eight such). If, when a trial at bar is called on, the number of jurors in attendance is too small, the trial must be adjourned, and a deccm or octo tales awarded, according to the number deficient; as, at common law, namely, a writ to the sheriff to summon eight more such men as were originally summoned. 3 Bla. Com. 304. OCTROI (Fr.). Toll or a duty paid on entering a city.

Government by the multitude. A form of goyernment wherein the populace has the whole power and administration in its own hands.