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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  • METHOMANIA
    See INSANITY.
  • METRE
    The unit of measure in the "metric system" of weigihts and measures; It is a measure of length, being the ten-millionth part of the distance from the equator to the north pole, and equivalent to 39.37 inches. From this unit all the other denominations of measure, as well as of More...
  • METRIC SYSTEM
    A system of measures for length, surface, weight, and capacity, founded on the metre as a unit It originated in France, has been established by law there and In some other countries, and is recommended for general use by other governments.
  • METROPOLIS
    A mother city; one from which a colony was sent out. The capital of a province. jCalvin.
  • METROPOLITAN
    In English law. One of the titles of an archbishop. Derived from the circumstance that archbishops were consecrated at first in the metropolis of a province. 4 Inst 94. In England, the word is frequently used to designate a statute, institution, governmental agency, etc., relating exclusively or especially to the More...
  • METTESHEP, OR METTENSCHEP
    In old records. An acknowledgment paid in a certain measure of corn; or a fine or penalty imposed on tenants for default in not doing their customary service in cutting the lord's corn.
  • METUS
    Lat Fear; terror. In a technical sense, a reasonable and well-grounded apprehension of some great evil, such as death or mayhem, and not arising out of mere timidity, but such as might fall upon a man of courage. Fear must be of this description In order to amount to duress More...
  • MEUBLES
    In French law. The movables of English law. Things are meubles from either of two causes: (1) From their own nature, e. p., tables, chairs; or (2) from the determination of the law, e. g.t obligations. -Menbles jnenblans. In French law. The utensils and articles of ornament usual in a More...
  • MICHAELMAS
    The feast of the Arch-angel Michael, celebrated in England on the 29th of September, and one of the usual quarter days. -Miehaelmas bead eonrt. A meeting of the heritors of Scotland, at which the roll of freeholders used to be revised. See BelL-Michaelmas term. One of the four terms of More...
  • MICHE, OR MICH
    O. Eng. ' To practice crimes requiring concealment or secrecy; to pilfer articles secretly. Micher, one who practices secret crime. Webster.
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