A phrase of which the parts are expressly inconsistent, as, c. p., "an innocent murder;" "a fee simple for life." … [Read more...]

In French law. An act which violates the law, a treaty, or an agreement which the party has made. That infraction of the law punished by a fine which does not exceed fifteen francs and by an imprisonment not exceeding three days. Pen. Code, 1. In Scotch law. The act of breaking through any restraint Imposed by deed, by covenant, or by a court. … [Read more...]

In Spanish law. A counter-writing; counter-letter. A document executed at the same time with an act of sale or other instrument, and operating by way of defeasance or otherwise modifying the apparent effect and purport of the original Instrument … [Read more...]

Lat. In the civil law. To handle; to take hold of; to meddle with. In old English law. To treat Vel male contrectet; or shall ill treat Fleta, lib. 1, c. 17, f 4. … [Read more...]

Counterfeiting; as contrafactio sigilli regis, counterfeiting the king's seal. Cowell. … [Read more...]