from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
COMMON TRAVERSE. This kind of traverse differs from those called technical
traverses principally in this, that it is preceded by no inducement general
or special; it is taken without an absque hoc, or any similar words, and is
simply a direct denial of the adverse allegations, in common language, and
always concludes to the country. It can be used properly only when an
inducement is not requisite; that is, when the party traversing has no need
to allege any new matter. 1 Saund. 103 b. ii. 1.
2. This traverse derives its name, it is presumed, from the fact that
common language is used, and that it is more informal than other traverses.