tense
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TENSE. A term used in, grammar to denote the distinction of time.
2. The acts of a court of justice ought to be in the present tense; as,
"praeceptum est," not "preaceptum fuit;" but the acts of, the party may be
in the preterperfect tense, as "venit, et protulit hic in curia quandum
querelam suam;" and the continuances are in the preterperfect tense; as,
"venerunt," not "veniunt." 1 Mod. 81.
3. The contract of marriage should be made in language in the present
tense. 6 Binn. Rep. 405. Vide 1 Saund. 393, n. 1.