Vi et armis
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VI ET ARMIS. With force and arms. When man breaks into another's close vi et
armis, he may be opposed force by force, for there is no time to request him
to go away. 2 Salk. 641; 8 T. R. 78, 357.
2. These words are universally inserted in a writ of trespass, because
they point out that the act has been done with force, and they are technical
words to designate this offence. Ham. N. P. 4, 10, 12; 1 Chit. Pl. 122 to
125; and article Force.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.