A "case of the first impression" is one without a precedent; one presenting a wholly new state of facts; one involving a question never before determined. … [Read more...]

In ecclesiastical law. The annexing an ecclesiastical benefice to the use of a lay person, whether individual or corporate, in the same way as oppropriation is the annexing of any such benefice to the proper and perpetual use of some spiritual corporation, whether sole or aggregate, to enjoy forever. Brown. … [Read more...]

A power possessed by the English crown of taking persons or property to aid in the defense of the country, with or without the consent of the persons concerned. It is usually exercised to obtain hands for the royal ships in time of war, by taking seamen engaged in merchant vessels, (1 Bl. Comm. 420; Maud & P. Shipp. 123:) but in former times impressment of merchant ships … [Read more...]

In Scotch law. To disprove; to invalidate or impeach; to prove false or forged. 1 Forb. Inst pt 4, p. 162. To improve a lease means to grant a lease of unusual duration to encourage a tenant, when the soil is exhausted, etc Bell; Stair, Inst p. 676, … [Read more...]

Money paid on enlisting or Impressing soldiers or sailors. … [Read more...]