from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Barratry \Bar"ra*try\, n. [Cf. F. baraterie, LL. barataria. See
{Barrator}, and cf. {Bartery}.]
1. (Law) The practice of exciting and encouraging lawsuits
and quarrels. [Also spelt {barretry}.] --Coke. Blackstone.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mar. Law) A fraudulent breach of duty or willful act of
known illegality on the part of a master of a ship, in his
character of master, or of the mariners, to the injury of
the owner of the ship or cargo, and without his consent.
It includes every breach of trust committed with dishonest
purpose, as by running away with the ship, sinking or
deserting her, etc., or by embezzling the cargo. --Kent.
--Park.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Scots Law) The crime of a judge who is influenced by
bribery in pronouncing judgment. --Wharton.
[1913 Webster]