ment of the plaintiff's cause of action, like a declaration or complaint, and always alleged a trespass as the ground of it, in order to give the court jurisdiction. 3 Bl. Comm. 43. In Scotch law, every summary application in writing, by way of petition to the Court of Session, is called a “bill.” Cent. Dict. —Bill chamber. In Scotch law. A department of the court of session in which petitions

2, 8, 288; 3 Bl. Comm. 261.—Bill of interpleader. The name of a bill in equity to obtain a settlement of a question of right to mon

Kidder v. Barr, 35 N. H. 251; Blythe v. Hinckley (C. C.) 84 Fed. 234. A cross-bill is a species of pleading, used for the purpose of obtaining a discovery necessary to the defense, or to obtain some relief founded on the collateral claims of the party defendant to the original suit. ison v. Tison, 14 Ga. 167. Also, if a bill of exchange or promissory note be given in consideration of another bill or note, it is called a “‘croas” or “counter” bill or note.

bill,” and differs from a promissory note onl in having a seal.—Bank v. Greiner, 2 Serg. R. (Pa.) 115.—Bill of debt. An ancient term including promissory notes and bonds for the

is understood to refer to the instrument whereby a ship was originally transferred from the builder to the owner, or first purchaser. 3

able for the proceeds alone.—Bill of gross adventure. In French maritime law. Any written instrument which contains a contract of bottomry, respondentia, or any other kind of maritime loan. ‘There is no corresponding English term. Hall, Marit. Loans, 182, n. —Bill of health. An official certificate, given by the authorities of a port from which a vessel clears, to the master of the ship, showing the state of the port, as respects the public health, at the time of sailing, and exhibited to the authorities of the port which the vessel next makes, in token that she does not. bring disease. If the bill alleges that no contagious or infectious. disease existed, it is called a “clean” bill; if it admits that one was suspected or anticipated, or that one actually prevailed, it is led & “touched” or a “foul” bill.

14. In English law, a draft of a patent for a charter, commission, dignity, office, or appointment.