W

The estimation or price of a man, especially of one slain. In the criminal law of the Anglo-Saxons, every man's life had its value, called a "were," or "capitis esttmetio." … [Read more...] about WERA, OR WERE

A royal fish, the head being the king's property, and the tail the queen's. 2 Steph. Comm. 19, 448, 540. … [Read more...] about WHALE

The name of a fine among the Saxons imposed upon a murderer. 2. The life of every man, not excepting that of the king himself, was estimated at a certain price, which was called the were, or vestimatio capitis. The amount varied according to the dignity of the person murdered. The price of wounds was also varied according to the nature of the wound, or the member injured. … [Read more...] about WERE

mar. law. A vessel employed in the whale fishery. 2. It is usual for the owner of the vessel, the captain and crew, to divide the profits in just proportions, under an agreement similar to the contract Di Colonna. … [Read more...] about WHALER

Sax. In old English law. A robber who might be ransomed ' Fleta, lib. 1, c. 47, … [Read more...] about WEREGELT THEF