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An obsolete title of dignity next to a peer. 2 Inst. 667; 2 Steph. Comm. 612. Vans est ilia potentia quae nunquam venit in actum. That power is vain [idle or useless] which never comes into action, [which is never exercised.] 2 Coke, 51. Vani timores sunt aestimandi, qui non cadnnt in constantem virum. Those are to be regarded as idle fears which do not affect a steady [firm or resolute] man. 7 Coke, 27. Vani timoris justa excusatio non ut, A frivolous fear is not a legal excuse. Dig. 50, 17, 184; 2 Inst 483.