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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  • MACE
    A large staff, made of the precious metals, and highly ornamented. It is used as an emblem of authority, and carried before certain public functionaries by a mace-bearer. In many legislative bodies, tbe mace is employed as a visible symbol of the dignity and collective authority of the house; In More...
  • MACE-GREFF
    In old English law. One who buys stolen goods, particularly food, knowing it to have been stolen.
  • MACEDONIAN DECREE
    In Roman law. This was the Senotus-consultum Mace-donianum, a decree of the Roman senate, first given under Claudius, and renewed under Vespasian, by which It was declared that no action should be maintained to recover a loan of money made to a child who was under the patria potest as. More...
  • MACHECOLLARE
    To make a warlike device over a gate or other passage like to a grate, through which scalding water or ponderous or offensive things may be cast npon the assailants. Co. Litt 5a.
  • MACHINATION
    Contriving a plot or conspiracy. The act of planning or contriving a scheme for executing some purpose, particularly an evil purpose; an artful design formed with deliberation.
  • MACHINE
    In patent law. Any contrivance used to regulate or augment force or motion; more properly, a complex structure, consisting of a combination, or peculiar modification, of the mechanical powers. The term "machine" in patent law, includes every mechanical device, or combination of mechanical powers and devices, to perform some function More...
  • MACHINERY
    A more comprehensive term than "machine;" including the appurtenances necessary to the working of a machine. Seavey v. Central Mut F. Ins. Co., Ill Mass. 540.
  • MACHOLUM
    In old English law. A barn or granary open at the top; a rick or stack of corn. Spelman.
  • MACTATOR
    L. Lat. In old European law. A murderer.
  • MACULARE
    In old European law. To wound. Spelman.
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