Pia Fraus
Defined in 4 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
A pious fraud. A term applied to elusions of the statute of mortmain, and other frauds in the interest of religious institutions, PICCAGE (Law Lat. piccagium, from Fr. piquer, to perforate, or pick).
In old English law. Money paid at fairs for leave to break the ground, to set up booths or stalls. Cowell; Spelman.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Pious fraud, the defeat of the statutes of mortmain by the church.
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
A pious fraud; a fraud considered morally justifiable on account of the ends sought to be promoted.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Lat. A pious fraud; a subterfuge or evasion considered moraliy justifiable on account of the ends sought to be promoted. Particularly applied to an evasion or disregard of the laws in the interests of religion or religious institutions, such as circumventing the statutes of mortmain.