from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
PRIVITY OF ESTATE. The relation which subsists between a landlord and his
tenant.
2. It is a general rule that a termor cannot transfer the tenancy or
privity of estate between himself and his landlord, without the latter's
consent: an assignee, who comes in only in privity of estate, is liable only
while he continues to be legal assignee; that is, while in possession under
the assignment. Bac. Ab. Covenant, E 4; Woodf. L. & T. 279; Vin. Ab. h: t.;
Hamm. on Part. 132. Vide Privies.