Marriage, as distinguished from the agreement to marry and from the act of becoming married, is the civil status of one man and one woman united in law for life, for the discharge to each other and the community of the duties legally incumbent on those whose association is founded on the distinction of sex. A contract, according to the form prescribed by law, by which a man and … [Read more...]

In old Scotch law. A maire; an officer or executor of summons. Otherwise called "prceco regis." Skene. … [Read more...]

By this expression is meant the act by which a person interferes, for a consideration to be received by him, between a man and a woman, for the purpose of promoting a marriage between them. The money paid for such service is also known by this name. 2. It is a doctrine of the courts of equity that all marriage brokage contracts are utterly void, as against public policy; and … [Read more...]

One of the original states of the United States of America. The province of Maryland was included in the patent of the Southern or Virginia company; and upon the dissolution of that company, it reverted to the crown. Charles the First, on the 20th of June, 1632, granted it by patent to Lord Baltimore … [Read more...]

A certificate that legally certifies the existence of a marriage, usually signed shortly after the ceremony, filed with the state and of which a certified copy is sent several weeks later to the spouses. … [Read more...]