In English practice. A trial brought on by the defendant, in cases where the plaintiff, after issue joined, neglects to proceed to trial; so called from a clause in the writ to the sheriff, which directs him, in case, two writs come to his hands, to execute but one of them. 3 Bl. Comm. 357. … [Read more...]

In old English law. A provider, or purveyor. Spelman. Also a person nominated to be the next incumbent of a benefice (not yet vacant) by the pope. … [Read more...]

The act of inciting another to do something. 2. Provocation simply, unaccompanied by a crime or misdemeanor, does not justify the person provoked to commit an assault and battery. In cases of homicide, it may reduce the offence from murder to manslaughter. But when the provocation is given for the purpose of justifying or excusing an intended murder, and the party provoked is … [Read more...]

To induce someone to act or react as a direct result of one's deliberate acts to annoy or harass. … [Read more...]

Those who adhered to the doctrine of Luther; so called because, in 1529, they protested against a decree of the emperor Charles V. and of the diet of Spires, and declared that they appealed to a general council. The name is now applied indiscriminately to all the sects, of whatever denomination, who have seceded from the Church of Rome. Enc. Lond. See Hale v. Everett, 53 N. H. … [Read more...]