When several persons are charged with a crime, and one of them gives evidence against his accomplices, on the promise of being granted a pardon, he is said to be admitted king's or (in America) state's evidence. 4 Steph. Comm. 395; Sweet. … [Read more...]

In medical jurisprudence. A form (or symptom) of mania, consisting In an irresistible propensity to steal. See INSANITY. … [Read more...]

A proctor or solicitor representing the crown in the former practice of the courts of probate and divorce. In petitions for dissolution of marriage, or for declarations of nullity of marriage, the king's proctor may, under the direction of the attorney general, and by leave of the court, intervene in the suit for the purpose of proving collusion between the parties. Mozley … [Read more...]

A rascal; a false, tricky, or deceitful person. The word originally meant a boy, attendant, or servant, but long-continued usage has given it its present signification. … [Read more...]

An officer of the central office of the English supreme court. Formerly he was an officer of the exchequer, and had important duties to perform in protecting the rights of the crown; e.g. by instituting proceedings for the recovery of land by writs of intrusion, (q. v.,) and for the recovery of legacy and succession duties; but of late years administrative changes have lessened … [Read more...]