A medieval Latin word, which Lord Coke takes to mean water running between two banks; in,other places it is rendered "bank." … [Read more...]

Belonging or relating to the bank of a river; of or on the bank. Land lying beyond the natural watershed of a stream is not "riparian." The term is sometimes used as reiating to the shore of the sea or other tidal water, or of a lake or other considerable body of water not having the character of a water-course. But this is not accurate. The proper word to be employed in such … [Read more...]

estates. This term, used by the civilians, has been adopted by the common lawyers. 4 Mason's Rep. 397. Those who own the land bounding upon a water course, are so called. 2. Such riparian proprietor owns that portion of the bed of the river (not navigable) which is adjoining his land usque ad filum aquce; or, in other words, to the thread or central line of the stream. … [Read more...]

An abolished writ which lay for tenants in ancient demesne, and others of a similar nature, to try the right of their lands and tenements in the court of the lord exclusively. 1 Steph. Comm. 224. … [Read more...]

In international law. The right of one vessel, on the high seos, to stop a vessel of another nationality and examine her papers and (in some cases) her cargo. Thus, in time of war, a vessel of either belligerent has the right to search a neutral ship, encountered at sea, to ascertain whether the latter is carrying contraband goods. … [Read more...]