A purpresture may be defined as an inclosure by a private party of a part of that which belongs to and ought to be open and free to the enjoyment of the public at large. It is not necessarily a public nuisance. A public nuisance must be something which subjects the public to some degree of inconvenience or annoyance; but a purpresture may exist without putting the public to any … [Read more...]

L. Fr, A close or inclosure ; as also the whole compass of a manor. … [Read more...]

A term used in heraldry; the color commonly called "purple," expressed in engravings by lines in bend sinister. In the arms of princes It was formerly called "mercury," and in those of peers "amethyst". … [Read more...]

A purse, prise, or premium is ordinarily some valuable thing, offered by a person for the doing of something by others, Into Btrlfe for which he does not enter. He has not a chance of gaining the thing offered; and, If he abide by his offer, that he must lose it and give it over to some of those contending for it is reasonably certain. Harris White, 81 N. Y. 539. … [Read more...]

The person appointed by the master of a ship or vessel, whose duty it is to take care of the ship's books, in which everything on board is inserted, as well the names of mariners as the articles of merchandise shipped. Rocc. Ins. note. 2. The act of congress concerning the naval establishment, passed March 30, 1812, provides, 6, That the pursers in the Navy of the United States … [Read more...]