The offense of violently keeping possession of lands and tenements, with menaces, force, and arms, and without the authority of law. 4 Bl. Comm. 148: 4 Steph. Comm. 280.
Forcible detainer may ensue upon a peaceable entry, as well as upon a forcible entry; but it is most commonly spoken of in the phrase “forcible entry and detainer.” See infra.