SHAM PLEA. One entered for the mere purpose of delay; it must be of a matter
which the pleader knows to be false; as judgment recovered, that is, that
judgment has already been recovered by the plaintiff for the same cause of
action.
2. These sham pleas are generally discouraged, and in some cases are
treated as a nullity. Barn. & Ald. 197, 199; 5 Id. 750; 1 Barn. & Cr. 286;
Archb. Civ. Pl. 249; 1 Chit. Pl. 401.