An estate which several persons hold as one heir, whether male or female. This estate has the three unities of time, title, and possession; but the interests of the coparceners may be unequal. 1 Washb. Real Prop. 414; 2 BL Comm. 188. See COPARCENARY. … [Read more...]

Service of the shield. One of the varieties of tenure in knight's service, to the duty imposed being that of accompanying the king to the wars for forty days, at the tenant's own charge, or sending a substitute. In later times, this service was commuted for a certain payment in money, which was then called "escuage certain." See 2 Bl. Comm. 74, 75. … [Read more...]

Span. In Spanish law. A spurious child; one begotten on a woman who has promiscuous intercourse with many men. White, New Recop. b. 1, tit. 5, c. 2, s 1. … [Read more...]

To scour or cleanse. Cowell. … [Read more...]

A title applied by courtesy to officers of almost every description, to members of the bar, and others. No one is entitled to it by law, and, therefore, it confers, no distinction in law. 2. In England, it is a title next above that of a gentleman, and below a knight. Camden reckons up four kinds of esquires, particularly regarded by the heralds: 1. The eldest sons of knights … [Read more...]