AVOWRY, in Law, is where one takes a distress for rent or other thing; and the other sues replevin. In which case the taker shall justify, in his plea, for what cause he took it: And if he took it in his own right, is to show it, and so avow the taking; which is called his avowry. If he took it in the right of another, when he has showed the cause, he is to make conusance of the taking, as being a bailiff or servant to him in whose right he did it. See DISTRESS, etc.
AWARD, in law, the judgment of one who is neither assigned by law, nor appointed by the judge, for ending a matter in controversy; but is chosen by the parties themselves that are at variance. See ARBITRATOR, ARBITRATION, etc.
AYEL, in law, a writ which lies where the grandfather being seised in his demesne the day he died, a stranger enters the same day, and dispossesses the heir. See WRIT.
ÆSTIMATIO Capitis, in our ancient Law-Books.Were, WERELADE, WEREGILD, etc.King Athelstan, in a great Assembly held at Exeter, declared what Mulcts were to be paid pro æstimatione capitis, for Offences committed against several Persons according to their degrees; the Estimation of the King’s Head to be 30000 Thrymsas; of an Archbishop, or Satrapa, or Prince, 15000; of a Bishop or a Senator, 8000; of a Priest, or a Thane, 2000, etc. Cressey’s Church Hist. fol. 834. b. and L, Hen. 1.
