VASSAL1, feudal2 law. This was the name given to the holder3 of a fief, bound to perform feudal service; this word was then always correlative to that of lord, entitled to such service.
2. The vassal himself might be lord of some other vassal.
3. In aftertimes, this word was used to signify a species of slave who owed servitude, and was in a state of dependency on a superior lord. 2 Bl. Com. 53; Merl. Repert. h. t.
VECTIGALIA. Among the Romans this word signified duties which were paid to the prince for the importation and exportation of certain merchandise. They differed from tribute, which was a tax paid by each inpidual . Code, 4, 61, 5 and 13.
VEJOURS. An obsolete4 word, which signified viewers or experts.
VENAL5. Something that is bought. The term is generally applied6 in a bad sense; as, a venal office is an office which has been purchased.
VENDEE, contr. A purchaser; a buyer.
VENDITION. A sale; the act of selling.
VENDITIONI EXPONAS, practice. That you expose to sale. The name of a writ7 of execution, directed to the sheriff, commanding him to sell goods or chattels8, and in some states, lands, which he has taken in execution by virtue9 of a fieri facias, and which remain unsold.
2. Under this writ the sheriff is bound to sell the property in his hands, and he cannot return a second time, that he can get no buyers. Cowp. 406; and see 2 Saund. 47, 1. 2 Chit. Rep. 390; Com. Dig. Execution, C 8; Grab. Pr. 359; 8 Bouv. Inst. n. 3395.
VENDOR10, contracts. A seller. One wbo disposes of a thing in consideration of money. Vide Purchaser; Seller.
VENIRE FACIAS, practice, crim. law. According to the English law, the proper process to be issued on an indictment11 for any petit misdemeanor, on a penal12 statute13, is a writ called venire facias. 2. It is in the nature of a summons to cause the party to appear. 4 Bl. Com. 18 1 Chit. Cr. Law, 351.
