from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
LIVERY OF SEISIN, estates. A delivery of possession of lands, tenements, and
hereditaments, unto one entitled to the same. This was a ceremony used in
the common law for the conveyance of real estate; and the livery was in
deed, which was performed by the feoffor and the feoffee going upon the
land, and the latter receiving it from the former; or in law, where the game
was not made on the land, but in sight of it. 2 Bl. Com. 315, 316.
2. In most of the states, livery of seisin is unnecessary, it having
been dispensed with either by express law or by usage. The recording of the
deed has the same effect. In Maryland, however, it seems that a deed cannot
operate as a feoffment, without livery of seisin. 5 Harr. & John. 158. Vide
4 Kent, Com. 381 2 Hill, Ab. c. 26, s. 4; 1 Misso. R. 553; 1 Pet. R. 508; 1
Bay's R. 107; 5 Har. & John. 158; Fairf. R. 318; Dane's Abridgment, h.t.;
and the article Seisin.