ancient demesne
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ancient demesne
see DEMESNE.Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006
ANCIENT DEMESNE, Eng. law. Those lands which either were reserved to the crown at the original distribution of landed property, or such as came to it afterwards, by forfeiture or other means. 1. Sal. 57; hob. 88; 4 Inst. 264; 1 Bl. Com. 286; Bac. Ab. h.t.; F. N. B. 14.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.