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

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

Used in contradistinction from the grand assize, which was a jury to decide on questions of property. Petits assize, a jury to decide on questions of possession. Britt. c. 42; Glan. lib. 2, cc. 6, 7. … [Read more...] about PETITE ASSIZE

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 verdict whereby the jury refuse to follow the direction of the judge on a point of law. … [Read more...] about PERVERSE VERDICT