punishment. An instrument used, in dipping women in the water, as a punishment, on conviction of being common scolds. It is sometimes confounded with tumbrel. 2. This barbarous punishment was never in use in Pennsylvania. … [Read more...]

crim. law. The fighting of two persons, one against the other, at an appointed time and place, upon a precedent quarrel. It differs from an array in this, that the latter occurs on a sudden quarrel, while the former is always the result of design. 2. When one of the parties is killed, the survivor is guilty of murder. 1 Russ. on Cr. 443; 1 Yerger's R. 228. Fighting a duel, even … [Read more...]

In French law. Guaranty ; equivalent to del credere, (which see.) … [Read more...]

The trial by battel or judicial combat See BATTEL. … [Read more...]

What ought to be paid; what may be demanded. It differs from owing in this, that, sometimes, what is owing is not due; a note, payable thirty days after date, is owing immediately after it is delivered to the payee, but it is not due until the thirty days have elapsed. 2. Bills of exchange, and promissory notes, are not, due until the end of the three days of grace, unless the … [Read more...]