Legal Term: DEFORCEMENT

Definition: tort. In its most extensive sense it signifies the holding of any lands or tenements to which another person has a right, Co . Litt. 277, so that this includes, as well, an abatement, an intrusion, a disseisin, or a discontinuance, as any other species of wrong whatsoever, by which the owner of the freehold is kept out of possession. But, as contradistinguished from the former, it is only such a detainer, of the freehold, from him who has the right of property, as falls within none of the injuries above mentioned. 3 Bl. Com. 173, Archb. Civ. Pl. 13, Danes Ab. Index, h. t.

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