DEAD MAN'S PART
\dˈɛd mˈanz pˈɑːt], \dˈɛd mˈanz pˈɑːt], \d_ˈɛ_d m_ˈa_n_z p_ˈɑː_t]\
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In English law. That portion of the effects of a deceased person which, by the custom of London and York, is allowed to the administrator; being, where the deceased leaves a widow and children, one-tbiiil; where he leaves only a widow or only children, one-half; and, where he leaves neither, the whole. This portion the administrator was wont to apply to bis own use. till the statue 1 Jac. II. c. 17, declared that the same should be subject to the statute of distributions. 2 Bl. Comm. 51S; 2 Steph. Comm. 254; 4 Reeve, Eng. Law, S3. A similar portion in Scotch law is called "dead's part," (
By Henry Campbell Black
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.