Legal Term Dictionary

Search our free database of thousands of legal terms. The easiest-to-read, most user-friendly guide to legal terms.This dictionary is from the early 20th century and is not to be construed as legal advice.

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  • ALCOHOLISM
    In medical jurisprudence. The pathological effect (as distinguished from physiological effect) of excessive indulgence in intoxicating liquors. It is acute when induced by excessive potations at one time or in the course of a single debauch. An attack of delirium tremens and alcoholic homicidal mania are examples of this form. More...
  • ALDERMAN
    A judicial or administrative magistrate. Originally the word was synonymous with "elder," but was also used to designate an earl, and even a king. In English law. An associate to the chief civil magistrate of a corporate town or city. In American cities. The aldermen are generally a legislative body, More...
  • ALDERMANNUS
    L. Lat An alderman, q. v. —Aldermannus civitatis vel burgi. Alderman of a city or borough, from which the modern office of alderman has been derived. T. Raym. 435, 437.—Aldermannus comitatns. The alderman of the county. According to Spelman, he held an office intermediate between that of an earl and More...
  • ALE-CONNER
    In old English law. An officer appointed by the court-leet, sworn to look to the assise and goodness of ale and beer within the precincts of the leet. Kitch. Courts, 46; Whishaw. An officer appointed in every court-leet and sworn to look to the assise of bread, ale, or beer More...
  • ALE-HOUSE
    A place where ale is sold to be drunk on the premises where sold.
  • ALE SILVER
    A rent or tribute paid annually to the lord mayor of London, by those who sell ale within the liberty of the city.
  • ALE-STAKE
    A maypole or long stake driven into the ground, with a sign on it for the sale of ale. Cowell.
  • ALEA
    Lat. In the civil law. A game of chance or hazard. Dig. 11, 5, 1. See Cod. 3, 43. The chance of gain or loss in a contract.
  • ALEATOR
    Lat. (From alea. q. v.) In the civil law. A gamester; one who plays at games of hazard. Dig. 11, 5; Cod. 3, 43.
  • ALEATORY CONTRACT
    A mutual agreement of which the effects, with respect both to the advantages and losses, whether to all the parties or to some of them, depend on an uncertain event. Civil Code La. art. 2982; Moore v. Johnston, 8 La. Ann. 488; Losecco v. Gregory, 108 La. 648, 32 South. More...
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