In English law. Joint- stock companies for the purpose of banking. They are regulated, according to the date of their incorporation, by charter, or by 7 Geo. IV. c. 46; 7 & 8 Vict cc. 32, 113; 9 & 10 Vict, c. 45, (in Scotland and Ireland;) 20 & 21 Vict c. 49; and 27 & 28 Vict. c. 32; or by the “Joint-Stock Companies Act, 1862,” (25 & 26 Vict. c. 89.) Wharton.