n. Law 1. a. A judicial inquest, the writ by which it is instituted, or the verdict of the jurors. b. A decree or edict rendered at such an inquest. 2. assizes a. One of the periodic court sessions formerly held in each of the counties of England and Wales for the trial of civil or criminal cases. b. The time or place of such sessions. [Middle English assise, from Old French, from past participle of asseoir, to seat, from Latin assidēre, to sit beside; see ASSIDUOUS.] |
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