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CREDIT Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

1. The ability of a business man to borrow money, or obtain goods on time, In consequence of the favorable opinion held by the community, or by the particular lender, as to his solvency and reliability. People v. Wasservogle, 77 Cal. 173, 19 Pac. 270; Dry Dock Bank v. Trust Co., 3 N. Y. 356. 2. Time allowed to the buyer of goods by the seller, in which to make payment for them. 3. The correlative of a debt; that is, a debt considered from the creditor’s standpoint, or that which is incoming or due to one. 4. That which is due to a merchant, as distinguished from debit, that which is due by him. 5. That Influence connected with certain social positions. 20 Toullier, n. 19. The credit of an individual is the trust reposed in him by those who deal with him that he is of ability to meet his engagements; and he is trusted because through the tribunals of the country he may be made to pay. The credit of a government is founded on a belief of its ability to comply with its engagements, and a confidence in its honor, that it will do that voluntarily which it cannot be compelled to do. Owen v. Branch Bank, 3 Ala. 258.

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