A fine or final satisfaction, anciently given to the king by the bishops, that they might have power to make their wills, and that they might have the probate of other men's wills, and the granting of administration. 2 Inst 291. Mnlta fidem promissa levant. Many promises lessen confidence. Brown v. Castles, II Cush. (Mass.) 350. Mnlta ignoramus qnse nobis non late rent si … [Read more...]

In the early ages of the feudal law, this was the name given to the grants of land made by a king or chieftain to his followers, which were held by no certain tenure, but merely at the will of the lord. Afterwards they became life-estates, and then hereditary, and were called first "benefices." and then "feuds." See Wright Ten. 19. … [Read more...]

Multiple disciplines or specialties, such as a law firm that has many lawyers who specialize in various areas of law. … [Read more...]

Latin: In Roman law. A provincial person; a countryman. This was the designation of one born in the provinces or in a city politically connected with Rome, and who, having become a Roman citizen, was entitled to hold any offices at Rome except some of the highest. In the provinces the term seems to have been applied to the freemen of any city who were eligible to the municipal … [Read more...]

In equity pleading. The fault of improperly joining in one bill distinct and independent matters, and thereby confounding them; as, for example, the uniting in one bill of several matters perfectly distinct and unconnected against one defendant or the demand of several matters of a distinct and independent nature against several defendants, in the same bill. Story, Eq. PL … [Read more...]