Category: M

In practice. Matter of substance in law, as distinguished from matter of mere form; a substantial ground of defense in law. A defendant is said “to swear to merits” or “to make

This term is now synonymous with “dwelling-house,” but had once a more extended signification. It is frequently used in deeds, in describing the premises. Marmet Co. v. Archibald, 37 W. Va. 778,

A system of measures for length, surface, weight, and capacity, founded on the metre as a unit. It originated in France, has heen established by law there and in some other countries,

In Spanish law. Crops of grain. White, New Recop. b. 1, tit. 7, c. 5,

In old records. A miner. Minima poena corporalis est major qnalibet pecnniaria. The smallest corporal punishment is greater than any pecuniary one. 2 Inst. 220. Minime mutanda sunt quae certain habuerunt interpretationem.

An inseparable particle used In composition, to mark an ill sense or deprava- tion of tbe meaning; as “miscomputation” or “misaccompting.” i. c., false reckoning. Several of the words following are illustrations

A person guilty of a misdemeanor; one sentenced to punishment upon conviction of a misdemeanor. See FIRST-GLASS MISDEMEANANT.

In criminal law. A term used to signify every considerable misdemeanor which has not a certain name giv- en to it by law.. 3 Inst. 30. But more particularly and properly the

Mitins imperanti melius paretur. Tbe more mildly one commands, the better is he obeyed. 3 Inst. 24.

In admiralty law. AS applied to a steam-vessel, “such speed only is moderate as will permit the steamer reasonably and effectually to avoid a collision by slackening speed, or by stopping and

The toll or multure paid for grinding corn at a mill. Jacob.

A monarch who governs alone; an absolute governor.

In Hindu law. An agent or attorney.

Lat. Death. Mors dicitur ultimum supplicium. Death is called the “last punishment,” the “extremity of punishment” 3 Inst 212. MORS OMNIA SOLVIT 793

Lat Dead. So in sheriffs return, mortuus est, he is dead.

In old English law. The state or condition of a mulier, or lawful issue. Co. Litt. 352b. The opposite of bastardy. Blount Multa conceduntur per obliquum quae non conceduntur de directo. Many

In Roman law. A foreign town to which the freedom of the city of Rome was granted, and whose inhabitants had the privilege of enjoying offices and honors there; a free town.

In practice. An amendment allowed to a libel, by which there is an alteration of the substance of the libel, as by propounding a new cause of action, or asking one thing

This letter, used as a Roman numeral, stands for one thousand. It was also, In old English law, a brand or stigma impressed upon the brawn of the thumb of a person

See INSANITY.