Pure Plea

In equity pleading. One which relies wholly on some matter dehors the bill; as, for example, a plea of a release on a settled account. Pleas not pure are so called in contradistinction to pure pleas. They are sometimes also denominated "negative pleas." 4 Bouv. Inst, note 4275.

One which relies wholly on some matter dehors the bill, as, for example, a plea of a release on a settled account. Pleas not pure are so called in contradistinction to pure pleas; they are sometimes also denominated negative pleas. 4 Bouvier, Inst. n. 4275. PURGATION (Lat. purgo, from purum and ago, to make clean). The clearing one’s self of an offence charged, by denying the guilt on oath or affirmation. Canonical purgation was the act of justifying one’s self, when accused of some offence, in the presence of a number of persons worthy of credit, generally twelve, who would swear they believe the accused. See Compurgator; Wager of Law. Vulgar purgations consisted in superstitious trials by hot and cold water, by Are, by hot irons, by battel, by corsned, etc. See Oath Purgatory.

In equity pleading. One which relies wholly on some matter outside those referred to in the bili; as a plea of a release on a settled account.

Defined under Plea in Black's Law Dictionary.