ABATEMENT OF A FREEHOLD
\ɐbˈe͡ɪtmənt əvə fɹˈiːhə͡ʊld], \ɐbˈeɪtmənt əvə fɹˈiːhəʊld], \ɐ_b_ˈeɪ_t_m_ə_n_t ə_v_ə f_ɹ_ˈiː_h_əʊ_l_d]\
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The entry of a stranger after the death of the ancestor, and before the heir or devisee takes possession, by which the rightful possession of the heir or devisee is defeated. 3 Bl. 1 Com. 167; Co. Lit. 277, a; Finch's Law, 1 195; Arch. Civ. Pl. 11.
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By the ancient laws of Normandy, this term was used to signify the act of one who, having an apparent right of possession to an estate, took possession of it immediately after the death of the actual possessor, before the heir entered. Howard, Anciennes Lois des Frangais, tome 1, p. 539.
By John Bouvier
Word of the day
Snake's-head
- Guinea-hen flower; -- so called in England because its spotted petals resemble the scales of a snake's head.