Mesne

Intermediate; intervening; the middle between two extremes, especially of rank or time. In feudal law, an intermediate lord; a lord who stood between a tenant and the chief lord; a lord who was also a tenant.

Cross-references

Feudalism.

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mesne (mean, with a silent s) adj. from Norman French for intermediate, the middle point between two extremes. It is seldom used, except in reference to "mesne profits." (See: mesne profits)

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MESNE. The middle between two extremes, that part between the commencement and the end, as it relates to time.
     2. Hence the profits which a man receives between disseisin and recovery of lands are called mesne profits. (q.v.) Process which is issued in a suit between the original and final process, is called mesne process. (q.v.)
     3. In England, the word mesne also applies to a dignity: those persons who hold lordships or manors of some superior who is called lord paramount, and grant the same to inferior persons, are called mesne lords.

MESNE, WRIT of. The name of an ancient writ, which lies when: the lord paramount distrains on the tenant paravail; the latter shall have a writ of mesne against the lord who is mesne. F. N. B. 316.

PROCESS, MESNE, practice. By this term is generally understood any writ issued in the course of a suit between the original process and execution.
     2. By this term is also meant the writ or proceedings in an action to summon or bring the defendant into court, or compel him to appear or put in bail, and then to hear and answer the plaintiffs claim. 3 Chit. Pr. 140.