The estate to which by common law a man is entitled, on the death of his wife, in the lands or tenements of which she was seised in possession in fee simple or in tail during her coverture, provided they have had lawful issue born alive which might have been capable of inheriting the estate. It is a freehold estate for the term of his natural life. 1 Washb. Real Prop. 127; 2 … [Read more...]

Scotch law. A life-rent given by law to the surviving husband, of all his wife's heritage of which she died infeft, if there was a child of the marriage born alive. The child born of the marriage must be the mother's heir. If she had a child by a former marriage, who is to succeed to her estate, the husband has no right to the curtesy while such child is alive; so that the … [Read more...]

Running; now in transit; whatever is at present in course of passage; as "the current month." When applied to money, it means "lawful;" current money is equivalent to lawful money. Wharton v. Morris, 1 Dall. 124, 1 L. Ed. 65. Current account. An open, running, or unsettled account between two parties. Tucker v. Quimby, 37 Iowa, 19; Franklin v. Camp, 1 N. J. Law, 196; Wilson v. … [Read more...]

The name of King Edward the Confessor's sword. It is said that the point of it was broken, as an emblem of mercy. (Mat. Par. in Hen. III.) Wharton. … [Read more...]

A woman who has been appointed to the ofilce of curator; a female guardian. Cross' Curatrix v. Cross' Legatees, 4 Grat (Va.) 257. Cwratus non habet titulum. A curate has no title, [to tithes.] 3 Bulst 310. … [Read more...]