body corporate

American  

noun

Law.

1. a person, association, or group of persons legally incorporated; corporation.

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body corporate British  

noun

1. law a group of persons incorporated to carry out a specific enterprise See corporation

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Etymology

Origin of body corporate

First recorded in 1490–1500

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

body corporate

It’s to be called ‘The Woman’s Franchise Club,’ and she wishes to establish by-laws and resolutions and a number of other things that are Greek to me, for ‘the political body corporate.’

From Molly Brown's Freshman Days by Speed, Nell

The bishop is made a body corporate; has a common seal granted him, and is considered subordinate to the archbishop of Canterbury.

From Antigua and the Antiguans, Volume I (of 2) A full account of the colony and its inhabitants from the time of the Caribs to the present day by Anonymous

Each county is a body corporate, with the power to sue or be sued in any court, make contracts, and buy and sell real estate.

From Elements of Civil Government by Peterman, Alexander L.

The chief magistrate of the body corporate of Stratford was in the early charters called the high bailiff.

From William Shakespeare as he lived. An Historical Tale by Curling, Henry

A body corporate, with the infection of passion, may perform acts of injustice equally with the individual who abuses the power with which he is invested.

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 3 by Disraeli, Isaac