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

Category: D

DEFUNCTUS

Lat. Dead. “Defunctus sine prole,” dead without (leaving) issue.

DELAY

To retard; obstruct; put off; hinder; interpose obstacles; as, when it is saidthat a conveyance was made to “hinder and delay creditors.” Mercantile Co. v. Arnold,108 Ga. 449. 34 S. E. 176;

DELIMITATION

The act of lixilig, marking off, or describing the limits or boundary line of a territory or country.

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,

DIOCESAN COURTS

In English law. The consistorial courts of each diocese, exercisinggeneral jurisdiction of all matters arising locally within their respective limits, withthe exception of places subject to peculiar Jurisdiction; deciding all matters of

DIRECTORS

Persons appointed or elected according to law, authorized to manageand direct the affairs of a corporation or company. The whole of the directors collectivelyform the board of directors. BrandtGodwin (City Ct.) 3

Topic Archives:

Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.