Legal Term Dictionary

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  • SCOLD
    A troublesome and angry woman, who, by brawling and wrangling among her neighbors, breaks the public peace, increases discord, and becomes a public nuisance to the neighborhood. 4 Steph. Comm. 27-Common scold. One who, by the practice of frequent scolding, disturbs the neighborhood. Bish. Crim. Law, ? 147. A quarrelsome, More...
  • SCOT
    In old English law. A tax, or tribute; one's share of a contribution. -Scot and lot. In English law. The name of a customary contribution, laid upon all subjects according to their ability. Brown.-Scot and lot voters. In English law. Voters in certain boroughs entitled to the franchise in virtue More...
  • SCOTAL
    In old English law. An extortionate practice by officers of the forest who kept ale-houses, and compelled the people to drink at their houses for fear of their displeasure. Prohibited by the charter of the forest c. 7. Wharton.
  • SCOTCH MARRIAGES
    See GRETNA GREEN.
  • SCOTCH PEERS
    Peers of the kingdom of Scotland; of these sixteen are elected to parliament by the rest and represent the whole' body. They are elected for one parliament only.
  • SCOTS
    In English law. Assessments by commissioners of sewers.
  • SCOTTARE
    To pay scot, tax, or customary dues. Cowell.
  • SCOUNDREL
    An approbious epithet, implying rascality, villainy, or a want of honor or integrity. In slander, this word is not actionable per se. 2 Bouv. Inst. 2250.
  • SCRAMBLING POSSESSION
    See POSSESSION.
  • SCRAWL
    A word used in some of the United States for scrowl or scroll. "The word 'seal/ written in a scrawl attached to the name of an obligor, makes the instrument a specialty." Comerford v. Cobb, 2 Fla. 418.
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