An ancient superstitious mode of tribal. When in a criminal case the accused was arraigned, be might select the mode of trial either by God and his country, that is, by jury; or by God only, that is by ordeal. 2. The trial by ordeal was either by fire or by water. Those who were tried by the former passed barefooted and blindfolded over nine hot glowing ploughshares; or were to … [Read more...]

civil and eccles. law. An officer who has original jurisdiction in his own right and not by deputation. 2. In England the ordinary is an officer who has immediate jurisdiction in ecclesiastical causes. Co. Litt. 344. 3. In the United States, the ordinary possesses, in those states where such officer exists, powers vested in him by the constitution and acts of the legislature, … [Read more...]

A liberty whereby a man claims the ore found in his own land; also, the ore lying under land. Cowell. … [Read more...]

adj. Regular; usual; common; not characterized by peculiar or unusual circumstances; belonging to, exercised by, or characteristic of, the normal or average individual. See Zulich v. Bowman, 42 Pa. 83; Chicago & A. R. Co. v. House, 172 111. 601, 50 N. E. 151; Jones v. Angell, 95 Ind. 376. Ordinary conveyances. Those deeds of transfer which are entered into between two or … [Read more...]

In old English law. The right of administering oaths and adjudging trials by ordeal within a precinct or liberty. Cowell. … [Read more...]