Legal Term Dictionary

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  • WISTA
    In Saxon law. Half a hide of land, or sixty acres.
  • WIT
    To know; to learn; to be informed. Used only in the infinitive, to wit, which term is equivalent to "that is to say," "namely," or "videlicet."
  • WITAM
    The purgation from an offense by the oath of the requisite number of witnesses.
  • WITAN
    In Saxon law. Wise men; persons of information, especially in the laws; the king's advisers; members of the king's council; the optimates, or principal men of the kingdom. 1 Spence, Eq. Jur. 11, note.
  • WITCHCRAFT
    Under Sts. 83 Hen. VIII. c. 8, and 1 JaC I. c. 12, the offense of Witchcraft, or supposed intercourse with evil spirits, was punishable with death. These acts were not repealed till 1736. 4 Bl. Comm. 60, 61.
  • WITE
    Sax. A punishment, pain, penalty, mulct, or criminal fine. Cowell.
  • WTTEKDEN
    A taxation of the West Saxons, imposed by the public council of the kingdom.
  • WITENA DOM
    In Saxon law. The judgment of the county court, or other court of competent jurisdiction, on the title to property, real or personal. 1 Spence, Eq. Jur. 22.
  • WITENAGEMOTE
    "The assembly of wise men." This was the great national council or parliament of the Saxons in England, comprising the noblemen, high ecclesiastics, and other great thanes of the king¬dom, advising and aiding the king in the general administration of government.
  • WITENS
    The chiefs of the Saxon lords or thanes, their nobles, and wise men.
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