Originally, government by a body of priests. Now, the body of officers in any church or ecclesiastical institution, considered as forming an ascending series of ranks or degrees of power and authority, with the correlative subjection, each to the one next above. Derivatively, any body of men, taken in their public capacity, and considered as forming a chain of powers, as above … [Read more...]

In Spanish law. A receipt given by an heir of a decedent, setting forth what property he has received from the estate. … [Read more...]

This term, as used in various compound legal phrases, is sometimes merely an addition of dignity, not importing a comparison ; but more generally It means exalted, either in rank or location, or occupying a position of superiority, and in a few instances it implies superiority in respect to importance, size, or frequency or publicity of use, e.g., "high seas," "highway." As to … [Read more...]

One of the four great Roman roads of Britain. More commonly called "Ikenild Street." … [Read more...]

An officer appointed in some cities bears this name. His powers are generally limited to matters of police, and are not more extensive in these respects than those of constables. … [Read more...]