GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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Champerty , n. [F. champart field rent, L. campipars; champ (L. campus) field + part (L. pars) share.]
- Partnership in power; equal share of authority. [Obs.]1913 Webster
Beauté ne sleighte, strengthe ne hardyness,
Ne may with Venus holde champartye.Chaucer.1913 Webster - (Law) The prosecution or defense of a suit, whether by furnishing money or personal services, by one who has no legitimate concern therein, in consideration of an agreement that he shall receive, in the event of success, a share of the matter in suit; maintenance with the addition of an agreement to divide the thing in suit. See Maintenance.1913 Webster
☞ By many authorities champerty is defined as an agreement of this nature. From early times the offence of champerty has been forbidden and punishable.
1913 Webster
- Partnership in power; equal share of authority. [Obs.]