1. A court’s determination of a matter of law pivotal to its decision; a principle drawn from such a decision. Cf. OBITER DICTUM. [Cases: Courts 88. C.J.S. Courts § 139; Trade-Marks, Trade-Names, and Unfair Competition§ 187.]
2. A ruling on evidence or other questions presented at trial.
3. (usu. pl.) Legally owned property, esp. land or securities.
4. Hist. In feudal law, tenure.
