Legal Term Dictionary

In English law. This term meant originally the state of having forfeited lands and goods to the crown upon conviction for certain offenses, and then, by transition, any offense upon conviction for which such forfeiture followed, in addition to any other punishment prescribed by law; as distinguished from a "misdemeanor," More...

In English law. This term meant originally the state of having forfeited lands and goods to the crown upon conviction for certain offenses, and then, by transition, any offense upon conviction for which such forfeiture followed, in addition to any other punishment prescribed by law; as distinguished from a "misdemeanor," upon conviction for which no forfeiture followed. All indictable offenses are either felonies or misdemeanors, but a material part of the distinction is taken away by St 33 & 34 Viet c. 23, which abolishes forfeiture for felony. Wharton. In American law. The term has no very definite or precise meaning, except in some cases where it is defined by statute. For the most part, the state laws, in describing any particular offense, declare whether or not it shall be considered a felony. Apart from this, the word seems merely to imply a crime of a graver or more atrocious nature than those designated as "misdemeanors." U. S. v. Coppersmith (C. C.) 4 Fed. 205; Bannon v. U. S. 156 U. S. 464, 15 Sup. Ct 467, 39. L. Ed. 494; Mitchell v. State, 42 Ohio St., 386; State v. Lincoln, 49 N. H. 469. The statutes or codes of several of the states define felony as any public offense on conviction of which the offender is liable to be sentenced to death or to imprisonment in a penitentiary or state prison. Pub. St Mass. 1882, p. 1290; Code Ala. 1886, s 3701; Code Ga. 1882, s 3404 ; 34 Ohio St 301; 1 Wis. 188; 2 Rev. St N. Y. p. 587, s 30; People y. Van Steenburgh, 1 Parker, Cr. R. (N. Y.) 39. In feudal law. An act or offense on the part of the vassal, which cost him his fee, or in consequence of which his fee fell into the hands of his lord; that is, became forfeited. (See FELONIA.) Perfidy, ingratitude, or disloyallty to a lord. -Felony act. The statute 33 A 34 Vict. c. 23, abolishing forfeitures for felony, and sanctioning the appointment of interim curators and administrators of the property of felons. Mozley & Whitley; 4 Steph. Comm. 10, 459.- Felony, compounding of. See COMPOUNDING FELONY.-Misprision of felony. See MISPRISION. Less...

The sex which conceives and gives birth to young. Also a member of such sex. The term is generic, but may have the specific meaning of "woman," if so indicated by the context. State v. Hemm, 82 Iowa, 609, 48 N. W. 971.

The sex which conceives and gives birth to young. Also a member of such sex. The term is generic, but may have the specific meaning of "woman," if so indicated by the context. State v. Hemm, 82 Iowa, 609, 48 N. W. 971. Less...

L. Fr. A woman. In the phrase "baron et feme" (q. v.) the word has the sense of "wife." -Feme covert. A married woman. Generally used in reference to the legal disabilities of a married woman, as compared with the condition of a feme sole. Hoker v. Boggs, 63 111. More...

L. Fr. A woman. In the phrase "baron et feme" (q. v.) the word has the sense of "wife." -Feme covert. A married woman. Generally used in reference to the legal disabilities of a married woman, as compared with the condition of a feme sole. Hoker v. Boggs, 63 111. 161.-Feme sole. A single woman, including those who have been married, but whose marriage has been dissolved by death or divorce, and, for most purposes, those women who are judicially separated from their husbands. Mozley & WTiitley; 2 Steph. Comm. 250. Kirk-ley v. Lacey, 7 Houst. (Del.) 213, 30 Atl. 994. -Feme sole trader. In English law. A married woman, who, by the custom of London, trades on her own account, independently of her husband; so called because, with respect to her trading, she is the same as a feme sole. Jacob; Cro. Car. 68. The term is applied also to women deserted by their husbands, who do business as femes sole. Rhea v. Rhenner, 1 Pet. 105, 7 L. EM. 72. Less...

The killing of a woman. Wharton.

The killing of a woman. Wharton. Less...

In forest law. The fawning of deer; the fawning season. Spelman.

In forest law. The fawning of deer; the fawning season. Spelman. Less...

v. In old Scotch law. To defend or protect by formalities. To "fence a court" was to open it in due form, and interdict all manner of persons from disturbing their proceedings. This was called "fencing," q. d., defending or protecting the court.

v. In old Scotch law. To defend or protect by formalities. To "fence a court" was to open it in due form, and interdict all manner of persons from disturbing their proceedings. This was called "fencing," q. d., defending or protecting the court. Less...

n. A hedge, structure, or partition, erected for the purpose of inclosing a piece of land, or to divide a piece of land into distinct portions, or to separate two contiguous estates. See Kimball v. Carter, 95 Va. 77, 27 S. E. 823, 38 L R. A. 570; Estes v. More...

n. A hedge, structure, or partition, erected for the purpose of inclosing a piece of land, or to divide a piece of land into distinct portions, or to separate two contiguous estates. See Kimball v. Carter, 95 Va. 77, 27 S. E. 823, 38 L R. A. 570; Estes v. Railroad Co., 63 Me. 309; Allen v. Tobias, 77 111. 171. Less...

In old English law. A period of time, occurring in the middle of summer, during which it was unlawful to hunt deer in the forest, that being their fawning season. Probably so called because the deer were then defended from pursuit or hunting. Manwood; Cowell.

In old English law. A period of time, occurring in the middle of summer, during which it was unlawful to hunt deer in the forest, that being their fawning season. Probably so called because the deer were then defended from pursuit or hunting. Manwood; Cowell. Less...

Usury; the gain of interest; the practice of increasing money by lending.

Usury; the gain of interest; the practice of increasing money by lending. Less...

In Saxon law. A tax or imposition, exacted for the repelling of enemies.

In Saxon law. A tax or imposition, exacted for the repelling of enemies. Less...