Middle English Dictionary Entry
nisi prius phr.
Entry Info
| Forms | nisi prius phr. |
| Etymology | L |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Law A writ instructing the sheriff to provide a jury at the court of Westminster unless the judges of assize previously come to the county of jurisdiction; also, an action tried under such a writ.
Associated quotations
- (1347) RParl.2.214a : Soit Brief mande a William de Thorp & ses Compaignions Justices du Bank le Roi, de grantier Brief de Nisi prius, a ascun Justice de la place du dit Baunk, des choses dount ceste Peticioun fait mencion.
- (1443-4) Acc.R.Dur.in Sur.Soc.99185 : Et in expensis..jurisperitis, circa quoddam breve vocat. Nisi prius, prosecutum ad instanciam..Prioris Dunelm.
- (1447) *Ordin.Exch.(PRO) [OD col.]35.e.62(b).A.ij.b : Commissyons of nisi prius conteyning lesse than half a rolle of parchmyn pryst wyse.
- c1613(1468) Plumpton Let.18 : As touching your nisi prius against Fulbaron, it were well doon that ye appointed with Mr. Danby at what place and what day in his comeing home after the next tearme ye would have it served.