Latin meaning literally "it is known from its associates." A word whose meaning is uncertain, questionable or doubtful can be understood and defined by its association with surrounding words and its context. This concept is frequently used in canons of construction or interpreting and understanding the meaning of the words in a legal statute, ordinance or law. Example of … [Read more...]

pleading. A plea to an action of indebitatus assumpsit, by which the defendant asserts that he is not indebted to the plaintiff. … [Read more...]

In old English practice. A messenger. One who was sent to make an excuse for a party summoned, or one who explained as for a friend the reason of a party's absence. Bract fol. 345. An officer of a court; a summoner, apparitor, or beadle. Cowell. … [Read more...]

practice. He or she lately died. The name of a writ, which in the English law, lies for a sister co-heiress, dispossessed by her coparcener of lands and tenements, whereof their father, brother, or any common ancestor died seised of an estate in fee simple. … [Read more...]

Lat. A second marriage. In the canon law, this term included any marriage subsequent to the first. … [Read more...]