80 /-'I l^'• 



Or'atory. — The art of speakiiif^ well, or of speaking according 

 to tlie rules of rhetoric, in order to persuade. Oratory 

 consists of four parts, invention^ disjiosition, elocit/ion, and 

 pronunciation. 



Orthom'etry (Gr. orfhos, right, and me/ron, measure). — The 

 art of constructing verses correctly ; the laws of versifi- 

 cation. 



Philol'ogy (Gr. j>/</7co, I love, and hgos^ a word). — That 

 branch of literature which comprehends the knowledge of 

 the etymology or origin and conLbiiiation of words. 



Rhetoric. — See Grammar. 



Versification. — See Versification. 



LAW. 



Jurispru'dence (Lat. jus, law, and scientia, science). — The 

 science of law ; the knowledge of the laws, customs, and 

 rights of men in a state or community necessary I'or the 

 due administration of justice. 



Abstract of Title. — An epitome of the deeds and documents 

 constituting the evidence of title to an estate. 



Action, — The method of demanding the enforcement of a legal 

 right, and procuring redress for a civil injury in the courts 

 of common law. 



Administra'tor. — The person to whom the estate and effects 

 of an intestate are committed, for which he is to be ac- 

 countable when required. 



AfB.da'vit. — A declaration in writing, signed by the party, and 

 sworn to, before an authorized magistrate. 



AflB.lia'tion. — Proof of paternity in the case of an illegitimate 

 child, with the view of obliging the father to contribute to 

 its support. 



Al'ibi. — An expression employed when an accused person at- 

 tempts to prove his innocence by showing he was in another 

 place when the act was committed. 



Al'imony. — An allowance made for the support of a woman 

 legally separated from her husband. 



Allu'vion. — A gradual increase of land along the sea-shore, or 

 on the banks of rivers. This, when slow and impercep- 

 tible, is deemed a lawful means of acquisition ; but when 

 a considerable portion of land is torn away at once, by the 



