In old English law. A minister who serves a benefice, together with others; so called because he has only a portion of the tithes or profits of the living; also an allowance which a vicar commonly has out of a rectory or impropriation. Cowell. In Scotch law. The proprietor of a small feu or portion of land. Bell. … [Read more...] about PORTIONER
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POLYGAMY
In criminal law. The offense of having several wives or husbands at the same time, or more than one wife or husband at the same time. The offense committed by a layman in marrying while any previous wife is living and undivorced; as distinguished from bigamy in the sense of a breach of ecclesiastical law Involved in any second marriage by a clerk. Polygamy, or bigamy, shall … [Read more...] about POLYGAMY
PONTIBUS REPARANDIS
An old writ directed to the sheriff, commanding him to charge one or more to repair a bridge. … [Read more...] about PONTIBUS REPARANDIS
PORNOGRAPHY
Lewd and lascivious materials depicting erotic images, designed to arouse sexual desire. Unless rising to the level of obscene, pornography is a right protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. … [Read more...] about PORNOGRAPHY
POLYGARCHY
A term used to express a government which is shared by several persons; as, when two brothers succeed to the throne, and reign jointly. … [Read more...] about POLYGARCHY