P

1. In old English law, this title was given to an officer of the courts who carried a rod or staff before the justices. 2. A person who keeps a gate or door; the door keeper of the houses of parliament 3. One who carries or conveys parcels, luggage, etc., particularly from one place to another in the same town. … [Read more...] about PORTER

A kind of duty formerly paid at the English custom-house to those who attended the water-side, and belonged to the package-office; but it is now abolished. Also the charge made for sending parcels. … [Read more...] about PORTERAGE

Latin: In the civil law. The birthright portion; that portion of an inheritance to which a given heir la entitled, and of which he cannot be deprived by the will of the decedent, without special cause, by virtue merely of his relationship to the testator. … [Read more...] about PORTIO LEGITIMA

The share falling to a child from a parent's estate or the estate of any one bearing a similar relation. State v. Crossley, 69 Ind. 209; Lewis's Appeal, 106 Pa. 136; In re Miller's Will, 2 Lea (Tenn.) 57. Portion is especially applied to payments made to younger children out of the funds comprised in their parents' marriage settlement, and in pursuance of the trusts thereof. … [Read more...] about PORTION

Fr. In French law. That part of a man's estate which he may bequeath to other persons than his natural heirs. A parent leaving one legitimate child may dispose of one-half only of his property; one leaving two, one-third only; and one leaving three or more, one-fourth only; and it matters not whether the disposition is inter vivos or by will. … [Read more...] about PORTION DISPONIBLE