An apostate, or perfidious renegade. Cowell. … [Read more...] about WITHER SAKE
W
WITAM
The purgation from an offense by the oath of the requisite number of witnesses. … [Read more...] about WITAM
WITHERNAM
practice. The name of a writ which issues on the return of elongata to an alias or pluries writ of replevin, by which the sheriff is commanded to take the defendant's own goods which may be found in his bailiwick, and keep them safely, not to deliver them to the plaintiff until such time as the defendant chooses to submit himself, and allow the distress, and the whole of it, to … [Read more...] about WITHERNAM
WITAN
In Saxon law. Wise men; persons of information, especially in the laws; the king's advisers; members of the king's council; the optimates, or principal men of the kingdom. 1 Spence, Eq. Jur. 11, note. … [Read more...] about WITAN
WITCHCRAFT
Under Sts. 83 Hen. VIII. c. 8, and 1 JaC I. c. 12, the offense of Witchcraft, or supposed intercourse with evil spirits, was punishable with death. These acts were not repealed till 1736. 4 Bl. Comm. 60, 61. … [Read more...] about WITCHCRAFT