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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  • HANAPER
    A hamper or basket In which were kept the writs of the court of chancery relating to the business of a subject, and their returns. 8 Bl. Comm. 49. According to others, the fees accruing on writs, etc., were there kept. Spelman; Du Cange. -Hanaper-office. An office belonging to the More...
  • HAND
    A measure of length equal to four inches, used in measuring the height ot horses. A person's signature. In old English law. An oath. For the meaning of the terms "strong hand" and "clean hands," see those titles.
  • HAND DOWN
    An appellate court is said to "hand down" its decision in a.case, when the opinion is prepared and filed for transmission to the court below.
  • HAND-FASTING
    In old English law. Betrothment
  • HAND-GRITH
    In old English law. Peace or protection given by the king with his own hand.
  • HAND MONEY
    Money paid In hand to bind a bargain; earnest money.
  • HANDBILL
    A written or printed notice displayed to Inform those concerned of something to be done. People v. McLaughlin, 83 Misc. Rep. 691, 68 N. Y. Supp. 1108.
  • HANDBOROW
    In Saxon law. A hand pledge; a name given to the nine pledges in a decennary or friborg; the tenth or chief, being called "headborow" (q. v.) So called as being an inferior pledge to the chief. Spelman.
  • HANDHABEND
    In Saxon law. One having a thing in his hand; that is, a thief found having the stolen goods in his possession. Jurisdiction to try such thief.
  • HANDSALE
    Anciently, among all the northern nations, shaking of hands was held necessary to bind a bargain,-a custom still retained in verbal contracts. A sale thus made was" called "handsale," (venditio per mutuam manum complexionem.) In process of time the same word was used to signify the price or earnest which More...
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