Public Auction
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
This phrase Is frequently used, but it is difficult to conceive of a private auction, so the word "public" seems to add nothing. See "Auction."
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
A sale of property at auction, where any and nil persons who choose are permitted to attend and offer bids. Though this phrase is frequently used, it is doubtful whether the word "public" adds anything to the force of the expression, since "auction" itself imports publicity. If there can be such a thing as a private auction, it must be one where the property is sold to the highest bidder, but only certain persons, or a certnin class of persons, are permitted to be present or to offer bids.
Defined under Auction in Black's Law Dictionary.