The moat inferior of the English ecclesiastical courts, from which an appeal generally lies to that of the bishop. 3 BL Comm. 64. … [Read more...]

eccl. law. The most ancient consistory court belonging to the archbishop of Canterbury for the trial of spiritual causes. It is so called, because it was anciently held in the church of Saint Mary le bow; which church had that appellation from its steeple, which was raised at the top with stone pillars, in the manner of an arch or bow. … [Read more...]

In Massachusetts during the early colonial period, this name was given to the chief or supreme judicial court, composed of the governor, his deputy, and certain assistants. … [Read more...]

The lowest of the three courts held in the forests. It has fallen Into total disuse. … [Read more...]

Ecclesiastical courts, In which the primates once exercised in person a considerable part of their jurisdiction. They seem to be now obsolete, or at least to be only used on the rare occurrence of the trial of a bishop. Phillim. Ecc Law, 1201, 1204. … [Read more...]