BARGEMEN. Persons who own and keep a barge1 for the purpose of carrying the goods of all. such other persons who may desire to employ them. They are liable as common, carriers. Story, Bailm. 496.
BARLEYCORN. A lineal measure, containing one-third of an inch. Dane's Ab. c. 211, a. 13, s. 9. The barleycorn was the first measure, with its pision and multiples, of all our measures of length, superfices, and capacity. Id. c. 211, a. 1 2, s. 2.
BARN, estates. A building on a farm used to receive the crop, the stabling of animals, and other purposes.
2. The grant or demise2 of a barn, without words superadded to extend its meaning, would pass no more than the barn itself, and as much land as would be necessary for its complete enjoyment3. 4 Serg. Rawle, 342.
BARON4. This word has but one signification in American law, namely, hushand: we use baron and feme, for hushand and wife. And in this sense it is going out of use.
2. In England, and perhaps some other countries, baron is a title of honor; it is the first degree of nobility below a viscount. Vide Com. Dig. Baron and Feme; Bac. Ab. Baron and Feme; and the articles. Hushand; Marriage; Wife.
3. In the laws of the middle ages, baron or bers, signifes a great vassal5; lord of a fief and tenant6 immediately from the king: and the words baronage, barnage and berner, signify collectively the vassals7 composing the court of the king; as Le roi et son barnage, The king and his court. See Spelman's Glossary8, verb. Baro.
BARONS9 OF EXCHEQUER10, Eng. law. The name given to the five judges of the Exchequer formerly11 these were baros of the realm, but now they are chosen from persons learned in the law.
BARRACK. By this term, as used in Pennsylvania, is understood an erection of upright posts supporting a sliding roof, usually of thatch12. 5 Whart. R. 429.
BARRATOR, crimes. One who has been guilty of the offence of barratry.
BARRATRY, crimes. In old law French barat, baraterie, signifying robbery, deceit, fraud. In modern usage it may be defined as the habitual13 moving, exciting, and maintaining suits and quarrels, either at law or otherwise. 1 Inst. 368; 1 Hawk14. 243.
2. A man cannot be indicted15 as a common barrator in respect of any number of false and groundless actions brought in his own right, nor for a single act in right of another; for that would not make him a common barrator.
3. Barratry, in this sense, is different from maintenance and champerty.
4. An attorney cannot be indicted for this crime, merely for maintaining another in a groundless action. Vide 15 Mass. R. 229 1 Bailey's R. 379; 11 Pick. R. 432; 13 Pick. R. 362; 9 Cowen, R. 587; Bac. Ab. h. t.; Hawk. P. C. B. 1, c. 21; Roll. Ab. 335; Co. Litt. 368; 3 Inst. 175.
