Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

Category: D

DIFFUSION OF INNOVATION

The idea that each market has groups of customers that vary. Innovation is not one dimensional becasue of this. Refer to adoption process.

DIRECT PLACEMENT

The placement of a NEW ISSUE of securities by a company directly with an institutional investor, without the use of a financial intermediary. A direct placement, which can theoretically involve any type

DISTRESSED ASSET

An ASSET, generally a security or real property that features a sharply reduced value as a result of actual or potential losses created by an excess of CREDIT RISK, MARKET RISK, or

DOWN ROUND

A second, third or fourth round of VENTURE CAPITAL financing that is done at lower valuation levels than early rounds, suggesting the company may be worth less than initially predicted.

DEMISE

v. In conveyancing. To convey or create an estate for years or life; tolease. The usual and operative word in leases: “Have granted, demised, and to farm let,and by these presents do

DEPOPUEATIO AGRORUM

In old English law. The crime of destroying, ravaging, or laying waste a country. 2 Hale, P. C.333; 4 Bl. Comm. 373.

DEPRIVATION

In English ecclesiastical law. The taking away from a clergyman hisbenefice or other spiritual promotion or dignity, either by sentence declaratory in theproper court for fit and sufficient causes or in pursuance

DESCENT

Hereditary succession. Succession to the ownership of an estate by inheritance,or by any act of law, as distinguished from “purchase.” Title by descent is thetitle by which one person, upon the death

DESPITE

Contempt. Despitz, contempts. Kelham.

DESUETUDE

Disuse; cessation or discontinuance of use. Applied to obsolete statutes. James v. Comm., 12 Serg. & It. (Pa.) 227.

DETUNICARI

To discover or lay open to the world. Matt. Westm. 1240.

DEVISOR

A giver of lands or real estate by will; the maker of a will of lands; a testator.

DIATIM

In old records. Daily; every day; from day to day. Spelman.

DIETA

A day’s Journey; a day’s work; a day’s expenses.

DILATORY DEFENSE

In chancery practice. One the object of which is to dismiss,suspend, or obstruct the suit, without touching the merits, until the impediment orobstacle insisted on shall be removed. 3 Bl. Comm. 301,

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