To divest or deprive of qualifications; to incapacitate; to render ineligible or unfit; as, in speaking of the "disqualification" of a judge by reason of his interest in the case, of a juror by reason of his holding a fixed preconceived opinion, or of a candidate for public office by reason of non-residence, lack of statutory age, previous commission of crime, etc. … [Read more...]

That portion of a man's property which he Is free to dispose of by will to beneficiaries other than his wife and children. By the ancient common law, this amounted to one third of his estate if he was survived by both wife and children. 2 Bl. Comm. 492; Hopkins v. Wright, 17 Tex. 36. In the civil law (by the Lex Falcidia) it amounted to three fourths. Mackeld. Rom. Law, … [Read more...]

In maritime law. To deprive a seaman or petty officer of his "rating" or rank; to reduce to a lower rate or rank. … [Read more...]

1. To transfer to another. 2. To throw away. 3. To settle or finalize a matter. To alienate or direct the ownership of property, as disposition by will. Used also of the determination of suits. Called a word of large extent. … [Read more...]

To justify; to clear one's self of a fault; to traverse an indictment; to disprove. Enc. Lond. … [Read more...]