champerty

noun cham·per·ty \ ˈcham-pər-tē \

Definition of champerty

: a proceeding by which a person not a party in a suit bargains to aid in or carry on its prosecution or defense in consideration of a share of the matter in suit

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champertous

play \-pər-təs\ adjective

Origin and Etymology of champerty

Middle English champartie, from Anglo-French, from champart share in litigious property, from champ field (from Latin campus) + part portion — more at part

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

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Law Dictionary

champerty

noun cham·per·ty \ ˈcham-pər-tē \

legal Definition of champerty

plural champerties

: an unenforceable agreement by which a person with otherwise no interest in a lawsuit agrees to aid in or carry on its litigation in consideration of a share of the subject matter of the suit (as property or damages) — compare maintenance

Origin and Etymology of champerty

Anglo-French champartie bargaining for a share of disputed property, from champart share of crops paid as rent, share of property in dispute, from champ field + part portion