In old English and Scotch law. Dusty-foot. A term applied to itinerant merchants, chapmen, or peddlers who attended fairs. … [Read more...] about PEDE PULVEROSUS
P
PEERS OF FEES
Vassals or tenants of the same lord, who were obliged to serve and attend him in his courts, being equal in function. These were termed "peers of fees," because holding fees of the lord, or because their business in court was to sit and judge, under their locds, of disputes arising upon fees; but, if there were too many in one lordship, the lord usually chose twelve, who had … [Read more...] about PEERS OF FEES
PENAL INSTITUTION
A correctional facility. A jail, prison or penitentiary. … [Read more...] about PENAL INSTITUTION
PEDERAST OR PEDERASTI
The crime of sexual abuse of a minor, commonly referring to the situation where an adult male grooms and sexually assaults an adolescent an adolescent male that is not of family (which is incest.) … [Read more...] about PEDERAST OR PEDERASTI
PEINE FORTE ET DURE
Eng. law A punishment formerly inflicted in England, on a person who, being arraigned of felony, refused to plead and put himself on his trial, and stubbornly stood mute. He was to be laid down and as much weight was to be put upon him as he could bear, and more, until he died. This barbarous punishment has been abolished. Vide Mute. … [Read more...] about PEINE FORTE ET DURE
