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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  • ARCHDEACON
    A dignitary of the Anglican church who has ecclesiastical jurisdiction immediately subordinate to that of the bishop, either throughout the whole of his diocese or in some particular part of it.
  • ARCHDEACON'S COURT
    In English ecclesiastical law. A court held before a judge appointed by the archdeacon, and called his official. Its jurisdiction comprises the granting of probates and administrations, and ecclesiastical causes in general, arising within the archdeaconry. It is the most inferior court in the whole ecclesiastical polity of England. 3 More...
  • ARCHDEACONRY
    A division of a diocese, and the circuit of an archdeacon's jurisdiction.
  • ARCHERY
    In feudal law. A service of keeping a bow for the lord's use in the defense of his castle. Co. Litt 157.
  • ARCHES COURT
    In English ecclesiastical law. A court of appeal belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the judge of which is called the "Dean of the Arches," because his court was anciently held in the church of Saint Mary-le-Bow, (Sancta Maria de Arcubus) so named from the steeple, which is raised upon More...
  • ARCHETYPE
    The original copy.
  • ARCHICAPELLANUS
    L. Lat. In old European law. A chief or high chancellor, (summus cancellarius.) Spelman.
  • ARCHIVES
    The Rolls; any place where ancient records, charters, and evidences are kept. In libraries, the private depository. Cowell; Spelman. The derivative meaning of the word (now the more common) denotes the writings themselves thus preserved; thus we say the archives of a college, of a monastery, a public office, etc. More...
  • ARCHIVIST
    The custodian of archives.
  • ARCTA ET SALVA CUSTODIA
    Lat. In strict and safe custody or keeping. When a defendant is arrested on a capias ad satisfaciendum, (ca. sa.) he is to be kept arcta et salva custodi. 3 Bl. Comm. 415.
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