from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
RIPARIAN PROPRIETORS, estates. This term, used by the civilians, has been
adopted by the common lawyers. 4 Mason's Rep. 397. Those who own the land
bounding upon a water course, are so called.
2. Such riparian proprietor owns that portion of the bed of the river
(not navigable) which is adjoining his land usque ad filum aquce; or, in
other words, to the thread or central line of the stream. Harg. Tr. 5;
Holt's R. 499; 3 Dane's Dig. 4; 7 Mass. R. 496; 5 Wend. R. 423; 3 Caines,
319 2 Conn. 482; 20 Johns. R. 91; Angell, Water Courses, 3 to 10; 9 Porter,
R. 577: Kames, Eq. part 1, c. 1, s. 1; 26 Wend. R. 404; 11 Stanton, 138; 4
Hill, 369. The proprietor of land adjoining a navigable river has an
exclusive right to the soil, between high and low water marks, for the
purpose of erecting wharves or buildings thereon. 7 Conn. 186. But see 1
Pennsyl. 462. Vide River.