PREFACE.

THIS work in no sense competes with, nor does it cover the same ground as, the Law Lexicons of Jacob, Tomlins, Wharton or Sweet. As its name imports, it is a Dictionary of the English Language (in its phrases as well as single words), so far as that language has received interpretation by the Judges.

Its chief aim is that it may be a practical companion to the English-speaking lawyer, not only in the Mother Country, but also in the Colonies and Dependencies of the Queen. The hope is also indulged that it may be not without utility to the man of business, nor without interest to the student of word-lore.

Its few archaisms will, possibly, be excused; for "Of all these you shall read in ancient bookes, charters, deeds and records and to the end that our student should not be discouraged for want of knowledge when he meeteth with them, we have armed him with the signification of them, to the end he may proceed in his reading with alacrity, and set upon and know how to worke into with delight these rough mines of hidden treasure" (Co. Litt. 5 b, 6 a).

Interpretation Clauses in Acts of Parliament are not, as a rule, within its scope, unless when themselves judicially interpreted. But in some few instances of general importance this rule has been departed from, whilst the important Interpretation Act of 1889 is given in extenso in the Appendix.

In many instances where a word, or phrase, has been determined in a special sense, or brevity seemed preferable to a lengthy definition, only a reference to the authorities has been given.

Whenever available, the very words of a judicial exposition have been given. And so, when a convenient definition has been found in a work of repute,-e.g., Jarman on Wills; Elphinstone, Norton and Clarke on the Interpretation of Deeds; Mr. Justice Stephen's Digest of the Criminal Law,-such definition has been adopted.

Where a statute is cited as having been interpreted, it must not be assumed that the statute is unrepealed. A judicial interpretation once delivered is a permanent possession; and though its immediate utility will be diminished by the repeal of the statute on which it was founded, it none the less should find a place here, as an authority on the same word when used in pari materia, or as furnishing a guide to interpreting similar expressions.

The printing of a word or phrase in SMALL CAPITALS is an indication to refer to such word or phrase in its alphabetical place in the Dictionary.

The references to each case have, since the sheets were in type, been verified by Mr. R. Riches, the Librarian of the Inns of Court Bar Library, Royal Courts of Justice, whose well-known ability and experience will be accepted as a guarantee of accuracy.

For the Tables of Cases and Statutes I am indebted to my son, Mr. Lewis Stroud.

Projected more than twenty years ago, and prosecuted at such intervals as could be obtained from an active professional life, this book will, I fear, offend by omissions, inequalities, and, possibly, worse faults. Yet merely to lay the foundations, search for the materials, and bit by bit build up the Vocabulary, has been, of itself, a task the difficulty and labour of which may well soften criticism and excuse imperfections.

It is, however, impossible to rise from these labours without a deepened admiration for the Judges of our land. It is extraordinary that so many minds, working through so many centuries,

and upon such various matters, should have been able so harmoniously to lay down the law for such an expansive and everwidening civilisation as that of the British Empire. And probably in no sphere of their duties has the work of the Judges been more distinguished than in their dealing with the composite subtleties of English Diction. To study that work, though involving labour, has brought delight; and this attempt to systematize its results will, it is hoped, be useful.

A companion volume based on American decisions is in a forward state of preparation.

2, NEW COURT, LINCOLN'S INN.

7th April, 1890.