1. An ancient species of court, consisting of a certain number of men, usually twelve, who were sulmoned together to try a disputed cause, performing the functions of a jury, except that they gave a verdict from their own investigation and knowledge and not upon evidence adduced. From the fact that they sat together, (assidco,) they were called the ‘“assise.” See Bract. 4, 1, 6; Co. Litt. 153), 1590.