Principal Obligation

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

That obligation which arises from the principal object of the engagement which has been contracted between the parties. It differs from an accessory obligation. For example, in the sale of a horse, the principal obligation of the seller is to deliver the horse; the obligation to take care of him till delivered is an accessory engagement. Poth. Obi. note 182. By principal obligation is also understood the engagement of one who becomes bound for himself, and not for the benefit of another. Poth. Obi. note 186.

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

The obligation of a principal as distinguished from that of his surety or guarantor; an indebtedness, as distinguished from a promise to pay it. See 120 Cal. 220, 65 Am. St. Rep. 179, 52 Pac. 583.

Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia

John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914

That obligation which arises from the principal object of the engagement which has been contracted between the parties. It differs from an accessory obligation. For example, in the sale of a horse, the principal obligation of the seller is to deliver the horse; the obligation to take care of him till delivered is an accessory engagement. Pothier, Obi. n. 182. By principal obligation is also understood the engagement of one w Y ho becomes bound for himself, and not for the benefit of another. Pothier, Obi. n. 186.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

That obligation which arises from the principal object of the engagement which has been contracted between the parties. Poth. Obi. no. 182. One to which is appended an accessory or subsidiary obligation.

Defined under Obligation in Black's Law Dictionary.