When a person who holds a mortgage as security for a loan which he has made, procures a loan to himself from a third person, and pledges his mortgage as security, he effects what is called a "submortgage." … [Read more...]

To ham-string by cutting the sinews of the legs and thighs. It was an old custom mere trices et impudi-cas mulieres subnervare. Wharton. … [Read more...]

civ. law. The answers of the prince to questions which had been put to him respecting some obscure or doubtful point of law. Vide Rescripts. … [Read more...]

The system which the feudal tenants introduced of granting smaller estates out of those which they held of their lord, to be held of themselves as Inferior lords. As this system was proceeding downward ad infinitum, and depriving the lords of their feudal profits, it was entirely suppressed by the statute Quia Emptor es, 18 Edw. I. c. 1., and Instead of it alienation in the … [Read more...]

One who ranks below, a lower level person or claim. A subordinate claim. A subordinate employee. … [Read more...]