Breve
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BREVE, practice. A writ in which the cause of action is briefly stated,
hence its name. Fleta, lib. 2, c. 13, Sec. 25; Co. Lit. 73 b.
2. Writs are distributed into several classes. Some are called brevia
formata, others brevia de cursu, brevia judicialia, or brevia magistralia.
There is a further distinction with respect to real actions into brevia
nominata and innominata. The former, says Bacon, contain the time, place and
demand very particularly; and therefore by such writ several lands by
several titles cannot be demanded by the same writ. The latter contain only
a general complaint, without expressing time, damages, &c., as in trespass
quare clausum fregit, &o., and therefore several lands coming to the
demandant by several titles may be demanded in such writ. F. N. B. 209; 8
Co. 87; Kielw. 105; Dy. 145; 2 Brownl. 274; Bac. Ab. Actions in General, C.
See Innominate contracts.