In feudal law. A servile tenant, who held in mere villenage; his person, issue, and goods were disposable at the lord's pleasure. … [Read more...]

An assembly of persons for the purpose of concerting measures of state or municipal policy; hence called "councillors." In American law. The legislative body in the government of cities or boroughs. An advisory body selected to aid the executive; particularly in the colonial period (and at present in some of the United States) a body appointed to advise and assist the governor … [Read more...]

A fashionable association, or a knot of persons forming a particular circle. The origin of the term was purely commercial, signifying an association, in which each member furnished his part and bore his share in the profit and loss. Wharton. … [Read more...]

By the Act 30 & 31 Vict. c. 105, power is given for the crown to grant licenses for the formation of councils of conciliation and arbitration, consisting of a certain number of masters and workmen in any trade or employment, having power to hear and determine all questions between masters and workmen which may be submitted to them by both parties, arising out of or with … [Read more...]

In Spanish law. A term corresponding to the res communes of the Roman law, and descriptive of such things as are open to the equal and common enjoyment of all persons and not to be reduced to private ownership, such as the air, the sea, and the water of running streams. Hall, Mex. Law, 447; Lux v. Haggin, 60 Cal. 255, 10 Pac. 707. … [Read more...]