Eng. law. The name of a tax levied by authority of parliament for the use of the king, which consisted of one-fifteenth part of the goods of those who are subject to it. … [Read more...]

A prolonged speech designed to obstruct the proceedings and voting with regard to a piece of legislature so that the issue of it passing is never reached. Usually referring to matters within the U.S. senate. … [Read more...]

The thread or middle of the road. 2. Where a law requires travelers meeting each other on, a road to drive their carriages to the right of the middle of the road, the parties are bound to keep ou their side of the worked part of the road, although the whole of the smooth or most travelled path may be upon one side of the filum viae. … [Read more...]

In English law. This was originally a tax or tribute, levied at intervals by act of parliament, consisting of one fifteenth of all the movable property of the subject or personalty in every city, township, and borough. Under Edward III., the taxable property was assessed, and the value of its fifteenth part (then about £29,000) was recorded in the exchequer, whence the tax, … [Read more...]

In old English law. A ferny or bracky ground: a place where fern grows. Co. Litt. 4b: Shep. Touch. 95. … [Read more...]