In old English law. Oath; an oath. Sermo index animi. 5 Coke, 118. Speech is an index of the mind. Sermo relatns ad personam intelllgi debet de conditions personae. Language which is referred to a person ought to be understood of the condition of the person. 4 Coke, 16. Sermones semper accipiendi sunt secundum subjectam materiam, et condi- tionem personarum. 4 Coke, 14. Language is always to be understood according to its subject- matter, and the condition of the persons.