Definition: Signifies literally the belly. In law it is used figuratively for the wife: for example, a man has three children by the first, and one by the second venter.
2. A child is said to be in ventre sa mere before it is born; while it is a foetus.
VENTER INSPICIENDO, Eng. law. A writ directed to the sheriff, commanding him that, in the presence of twelve men, and as many women, he cause examination to be made, whether a woman therein named is with child or not; and if with child, then about what time it will be born; and that he certify the same. It is granted in a case when a widow, whose husband had lands in fee simple, marries again soon after her husband~s death, and declares herself pregnant by her first husband and, under that pretext, withholds the lands from the next heir. Cro. Eliz. 506; Fleta, lib. 1, c, 15.
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