Letters. A term applied in old English law to various instruments in writing, public and private. Litem dimissorisB. Dimissory letters, (q. v.) Liters humaniores. A term including Greek, Latin, general philology, logic, moral philosophy, metaphysics; the name of the principal course of study in the University of Oxford. Wharton. Literae mortuss. Dead letters ; fulfilling words … [Read more...]

The name of an Italian coin, of the value of about eighteen cents. … [Read more...]

According to language; following expression in words. A literal construction of a document adheres closely to its words, without making differences for extrinsic circumstances; a literal performance of a condition is one which complies exactly with its terms. Literal contract. In Roman law. A species of written contract, in which the formal act by which an obligation was … [Read more...]

A suit; an action; a controversy in court; a dispute. Lat. A controversy or dispute; a suit or action at law. Lis alibi pendens. A suit pending elsewhere. The fact that proceedings are pending between a plaintiff and defendant in one court in respect to a given matter is frequently a ground for preventing the plaintiff from taking proceedings in another court against the same … [Read more...]

The cause of the suit or action. By this term is understood the commencement of the controversy, and the beginning of the suit. … [Read more...]