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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  • KINGS-AT-ARMS
    The principal herald of England was of old designated "king of the heralds," a title which seems to have been exchanged for "king-at-arms" about the reign of Henry IV. The kings-at-arms at present existing in England are three,-Garter, Clarenceux, and Norroy, besides Lath, who is not a member of the More...
  • KINTAL, OR KINTLE
    A hundred pounds in weight. See QUINTAL.
  • KINTLIDGE
    A ship's ballast See KENTLAGE.
  • KIPPER-TIME
    In old English law. The space of time between the 3d of May and the Epiphany, in which fishing for salmon in the Thames, between Gravesend and Henley-on-Thames, was forbidden. Rot Pari. 50 Edw. III.-
  • KIRBY'S QUEST
    In English law. An ancient record remaining with the remembrancer of the exchequer, being an inquisition or survey of all the lands in England; taken in the reign of Edward I. by John de Kirby, his treasurer. Blount; CowelL
  • KIRK
    In Scotch law. .A church; the church; the established church of Scotland. -Kirk-mate. A meeting of parishioners on church affaire.-Kirk-officer. The beadle of a church in Scotland.-Kirk-session. A parochial church court in Scotland, consisting of the ministers and elders of each parish.
  • KISSING THE BOOK
    The ceremony of touching the lips to a copy of the Bible, used In administering oaths. It is the external symbol of the witness' acknowledgment of the obligation of the oath.
  • KIST
    In Hindu law. A stated payment; installment of rent.
  • KLEPTOMANIA
    In medical jurisprudence. A form (or symptom) of mania, consisting In an irresistible propensity to steal. See INSANITY.
  • KNAVE
    A rascal; a false, tricky, or deceitful'person. The word originally meant a boy, attendant, or servant, but long-continued usage has given it its present signification.
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