from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Perjury \Per"ju*ry\, n.; pl. {Perjuries}. [L. perjurium. See
{Perjure}, v.]
1. False swearing.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Law) At common law, a willfully false statement in a fact
material to the issue, made by a witness under oath in a
competent judicial proceeding. By statute the penalties of
perjury are imposed on the making of willfully false
affirmations.
[1913 Webster]
Note: If a man swear falsely in nonjudicial affidavits, it is
made perjury by statute in some jurisdictions in the
United States.
[1913 Webster]