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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  • BANNUM
    A ban, (q. v.)
  • BANNUS
    In old English law. A proclamation. Bannus regis; the king's proclamation, made by the voice of a herald, forbidding all present at the trial by combat to Interfere either by motion or word, whatever they might see or hear. Bract fol. 142.
  • BANQUE
    Fr. A bench; the table or counter of a trader, merchant, or banker. Banque route; a broken bench or counter; bankrupt.
  • BANS OF MATRIMONY
    A public announcement of an intended marriage, required by the English law to be made in a church or chapel, during service, on three consecutive Sundays before the marriage is celebrated. The object Is to afford an opportunity for any person to Interpose an objection if he knows of any More...
  • BANYAN
    In East Indian law. A Hindoo merchant or shop-keeper. The word is used in Bengal to denote the native who manages the money concerns of a European, and sometimes serves him as an interpreter.
  • BAR
    1. A partition or railing running across a court-room, Intended to separate the general public from the space occupied by the judges, counsel, jury, and others concerned in the trial of a cause. In the English courts it is the partition behind which all outer-barristers and every member of the More...
  • BAR FEE
    In English law. A fee taken by the sheriff, time out of mind, for every prisoner who is acquitted. Bac. Abr. "Extortion." Abolished by St. 14 Geo. III. c. 26; 55 Geo. III. c. 50; 8 & 9 Vict. c. 114.
  • BARAGARIA
    Span. A concubine, whom a man keeps alone in his house,. unconnected with any other woman. Las Par-tidas, pt 4, tit. 14. Baratriam eommittit qui propter pecuniam justitiam baractat. He is guilty of barratry who for money sells justice. Bell.
  • BARBANUS
    In old Lombardic law. An uncle, (patruus.)
  • BARBICANAGE
    In old European law. Money paid to support a barbican or watch-tower.
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