In Scotch law. Double distress; a name given to an action, corresponding to proceedings by way of Interpleader. which may be brought by a per- son in possession of goods claimed by different persons pretending a right thereto, calling the claimants and all others to settle their claims, so that the party who sues may be liable only “in once and single payment.” Bell. Multiplex et indistinctnm parit con- fusioncm; et qnacstiones, qno simpli- ciores, eo lucidiores. Hob. 335. Multiplicity and indistinctness produce confusion; and questions, the more simple they are, the more lucid. Multiplicata transgressione crescat pcenae inflictio. As transgression Is multiplied. the intliction of punishment should increase. 2 Inst. 479.