ANIMANLS OF A BASE NATURE
\ˈanɪmˌanə͡lz əvə bˈe͡ɪs nˈe͡ɪt͡ʃə], \ˈanɪmˌanəlz əvə bˈeɪs nˈeɪtʃə], \ˈa_n_ɪ_m_ˌa_n_əl_z ə_v_ə b_ˈeɪ_s n_ˈeɪ_tʃ_ə]\
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Those which, though they may be reclaimed, are not Such that at common law a larceny may be committed of them, by reason of the baseness of their nature. Some animals, which are now usually tamed, come within this class; as dogs and cats; and others which, though wild by nature, and oftener reclaimed by art and industry, clearly fall within the same rule; as, bears, foxes, apes, monkeys, ferrets, and the like. 3 Inst. 109,; 1 Hale, P. C. 511, 512; 1 Hawk. P. C. 33, s. 36; 4 Bl. Com. 236; 2 East, P. C. 614. See 1 Saund. Rep. 84, note 2.
By John Bouvier
Word of the day
Snake's-head
- Guinea-hen flower; -- so called in England because its spotted petals resemble the scales of a snake's head.