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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  • CLEAR
    Plain; evident; free from doubt or conjecture; also, unincumbered;' free from deductions or draw-backs. —Clear annnal valne. The net yearly value to the possessor of the property, over and above taxes, interest on mortgages, and other charges and deductions. Groton v. Boxborough. 6 Mass. 56; Marsh v. Hammond, 103 Mass. More...
  • CLEARANCE
    In maritime law. A document in the nature of a certificate given by the collector of customs to an outward-bound vessel, to the effect that she has complied with the law, and is duly authorized to depart
  • CLEARING
    The departure of a vessel from port, after complying with the customs and health laws and like local regulations. In mercantile law. A method of making exchanges and settling balances, adopted among hanks and bankers.
  • CLEARING-HOUSE
    An institution organized by the banks of a dty, where their messengers may meet daily, adjust balances of accounts, and receive and pay differences. Crane v. Bank, 173 Pa. 566, 34 Atl. 296 ; National Exch. Bank v. National Bank of North America, 132 Mass. 147; Philler v. Patterson, 168 More...
  • CLEMENTINES
    In canon law. The collection of decretals or constitutions of Pope Clement V., made by order of John XXIL, his successor, who published it in 1317.
  • CLEMENT'S INN
    An inn of chancery. See INNS OP CHANCERY.
  • CLENGE
    In old Scotch law. To dear or acquit of a criminal charge. Literally, to deanse or clean.
  • CLEP AND CALL
    In old Scotch practice. A solemn form of words prescribed by law, and nsed in criminal cases, as in pleas of wrong and unlaw.
  • CLERGY
    The whole body of clergymen or ministers of religion. Also an abbreviation for "benefit of dergy." See BENEFIT. —Regular clergy. In old English law. Monks who lived secundum regulas (according to the rules) of their respective houses or societies were so denominated, in contradistinction to the parochial clergy, who performed More...
  • CLERGYABLE
    In old English law. Admitting of dergy, or benefit of clergy. A clergyable felony was one of that class In which clergy was allowable. 4 Bl. Comm.
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