Signifies literally the belly. In law it is used figuratively for the wife: for example, a man has three children by the first, and one by the second venter. 2. A child is said to be in ventre sa mere before it is born; while it is a foetus. A writ directed to the sheriff, commanding him that, in the presence of twelve men, and as many women, he cause examination to be made, whether a woman therein named is with child or not; and if with child, then about what time it will be born; and that he certify the same. It is granted in a case when a widow, whose husband had lands in fee simple, marries again soon after her husband’s death, and declares herself pregnant by her first husband and, under that pretext, withholds the lands from the next heir.