right of search

American  

noun

International Law.

1. the privilege of a nation at war to search neutral ships on the high seas for contraband or other matter, carried in violation of neutrality, that may subject the ship to seizure.

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right of search British  

noun

1. the right of a belligerent to stop and search neutral merchant ships on the high seas in wartime

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Etymology

Origin of right of search

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

But Google said PC users will see fewer search ads overall because the company recently removed ads that had long appeared to the right of search results.

From The Wall Street Journal

I need scarcely add, that my concern is with the strictly legal rights of search, and demand of fees; and not as to what courtesy may concede, or usage sanction.

From Project Gutenberg

The right of search to obtain seamen, and the claim of his Britannic Majesty to the perpetual allegiance of his subjects, whether naturalized in America or not.

From Project Gutenberg

To do this they possessed the right of search for inadequate materials or unsuitable tools, and a general supervision over workmen to secure competency.

From Project Gutenberg

Her treaty with France regulated the right of search, limited contraband to munitions of war, and proclaimed the principle, “free ships, free goods.”

From Project Gutenberg