P

adj. Open; manifest; evident; unsealed. Used in this sense in such phrases as "patent ambiguity," "patent writ," "letters patent" Letters patent. Open letters, as distinguished from letters close. An instrument proceeding from the government, and conveying a right, authority, or grant to an individual, as a' patent for a tract of land, or for the exclusive right to make and … [Read more...] about PATENT (ADJ.)

v. 1. In practice. To utter or pronounce; as when the court passes sentence upon a prisoner. Also to proceed; to be rendered or given; as when judgment is said to pass for the plaintiff in a suit 2. In legislative parlance, a bill or resolution is said to pass when It is agreed to or enacted by the house, or when the body has sanctioned its adoption by the requisite majority of … [Read more...] about PASS (VERB)

As used in law, this term means inactive; permissive; consisting in endurance or submission, rather than action; and in some connections it carries the implication of being subjected to a burden or charge. As to passive "Debt," "Title," "Trust" and "Use," see those titles. … [Read more...] about PASSIVE

n. A grant of some privilege, property, or authority, made by the government or sovereign of a country to one or more individuals. Phil. Pat. 1. In English law. . A grant by the sovereign to a subject or subjects, under the great seal, conferring some authority, title, franchise, or property; termed "letters patent" from being delivered open, and not closed up from inspection. … [Read more...] about PATENT (NOUN)

com. law. A book used by merchants with their customers, in which an entry of goods sold and delivered to a customer is made. 2. It is kept by the buyer, and sent to the merchant whenever he wishes to purchase any. article. It ought to be a counterpart of the merchant's books, as far as regards the customer's account. 3. Among English bankers, the term pass-book is given to a … [Read more...] about PASS BOOK