P

Small, minor, of less or inconsiderable importance. The English form of "petit," and sometimes used instead of that word in such compounds as "petty jury," "petty larceny," and "petty treason." See Petit. Petty bag office. In English law. An office in the court of chancery, for suits against attorneys and officers of the court, and for process and proceedings by extent on … [Read more...] about PETTY

This is a technical word which signifies disturbance, or infringement of a right. It is usually applied to the disturbance of pews, or seats in a church. In the ecclesiastical courts actions for these disturbances are technically called suits for perturbation of seat. … [Read more...] about PERTURBATION

English law. The killing of a master by his servant; a husband by his wife; a superior by a secular or religious man. In the United States this is like any other murder. See High, Treason; Treason. … [Read more...] about PETIT TREASON

A contribution by the owners of the ship, freight and goods on board, for losses sustained by the ship and cargo, which consist of small charges. Vide Average. … [Read more...] about PETTY AVERAGE

A woman who breaks the peace. … [Read more...] about PERTURBATRIX