from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
BIENS. A French word, which signifies property. In law, it means property of
every description, except estates of freehold and inheritance. Dane's Ab. c.
133, a, 3 Com. Dig. h. t.; Co. Litt. 118, b; Sugd. Vend. 495.
2. In the French law, this term includes all kinds of property, real
and personal. Biens are divided into biens meubles, movable or personal
property; and biens immeubles, immovable property or real estate. This
distinction between movable and immovable property, is, however, recognized
by them, and gives rise in the civil, as well as in the common law, to many
important distinctions as to rights and remedies. Story, Confl. of Laws,
Sec. 13, note 1.