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term:
Barratry
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barratry n
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pl: -tries
[Middle French baraterie deception, from barater to deceive, cheat]
1 : an unlawful act or fraudulent breach of duty by a ship's master or crew that injures the interests of the ship's or cargo's owners often used in marine insurance policies NOTE: Examples of barratry include embezzling cargo, stealing a ship's equipment, or willfully sinking a ship.
2 : the persistent incitement of litigation
Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.