barratry
Americannoun
-
fraud by a master or crew at the expense of the owners of the ship or its cargo.
-
the offense of frequently exciting and stirring up lawsuits and quarrels.
-
the purchase or sale of ecclesiastical preferments or of offices of state.
noun
-
criminal law (formerly) the vexatious stirring up of quarrels or bringing of lawsuits
-
maritime law a fraudulent practice committed by the master or crew of a ship to the prejudice of the owner or charterer
-
Scots law the crime committed by a judge in accepting a bribe
-
the purchase or sale of public or Church offices
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of barratry
1400–50; late Middle English barratrie < Anglo-French, Middle French baraterie combat, fighting. See barrator, -ery
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Parker in mind, a Massachusetts congressman worked to amend the barratry law so that it would no longer be a capital offense.
From Slate ● Dec. 6, 2011
In any case, the entire, ever wistful publishing industry now chases riches through barratry, the offense of excessive litigation.
From Time Magazine Archive
If you so state, your insurance company will have no recourse but to ask your arrest on a charge of barratry.
From Smugglers' Reef by Blaine, John
"Excepting barratry, the ten commandments, earthquake and the act of God, sir, yes."
From Guns of the Gods by Mundy, Talbot
"According to public report," said the decree, "they committed barratry, sought illicit gains, and practiced unjust extortions of money or goods."
From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 11 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
