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

History and Etymology for champerty

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

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

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The first known use of champerty was in the 15th century

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champerty

noun

cham·per·ty | \ˈcham-pər-tē

plural champerties

Legal Definition of champerty

: 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