from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
DESCRIPTION. A written account of the state and condition of personal
property, titles, papers, and the like. It is a kind of inventory, (q.v.)
but is more particular in ascertaining the exact condition of the property,
and is without any appraisement of it.
2. When goods are found in the possession of a person accused of
stealing them, a description ought to be made of them. Merl. Rep. h.t.
3. A description is less perfect than a definition. (q.v.) It gives
some knowledge of the accidents and qualities of a thing; for example,
plants, fruits, and animals, are described by their shape, bulk, color, and
the like accidents. Ayl. Pand. 60.
4. Description may also be of a person, as description of a legatee. 1
Roper on Leg. chap. 2.