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An action at law; a suit in equity or admiralty; any legal proceeding before a court for the enforcement of a claim.

The practice of exciting and encouraging lawsuits and quarrels. [Also spelt barretry.] Coke. Blackstone.

To defeat in a lawsuit; to decide against; to convict; as, to be cast in damages. She was cast to be hanged. Jeffrey. Were the case referred to any competent judge, they would inevitably be cast. Dr. H. More.

One versed in the laws, or a practitioner of law; one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients, or to advise as to prosecution or defence of lawsuits, or as to legal rights and obligations in other matters. It is a general term, comprehending attorneys, counselors, solicitors, barristers, sergeants, and advo…

Disposed to litigate; contending in law; engaged in a lawsuit; as, the parties litigant. Ayliffe.

To make the subject of a lawsuit; to contest in law; to prosecute or defend by pleadings, exhibition of evidence, and judicial debate in a court; as, to litigate a cause.

The state of being litigious; disposition to engage in or carry on lawsuits.

The plaintiff or the defendant in a lawsuit, whether an individual, a firm, or corporation; a litigant. The cause of both parties shall come before the judges. Ex. xxii. 9.

A cause in court; a lawsuit; as, the Court of Common Pleas. See under Common. The Supreme Judicial Court shall have cognizance of pleas real, personal, and mixed. Laws of Massachusetts.

One who lays informations, and encourages petty lawsuits. [Obs.] Bacon.

To obtain a judgement; to succeed in a lawsuit; as, the plaintiff has recovered in his suit.