Su`per*fi"cies (?), n. [L., fr. super above, over + facies make, figure, shape. See Surface.]
1.
The surface; the exterior part, superficial area, or face of a thing.
2. CivilLaw (a)
Everything on the surface of a piece of ground, or of a building, so closely connected by art or nature as to constitute a part of it, as houses, or other superstructures, fences, trees, vines, etc.
(b)
A real right consisting of a grant by a landed proprietor of a piece of ground, bearing a strong resemblance to the long building leases granted by landholders in England, in consideration of a rent, and under reservation of the ownership of the soil.
Bouvier. Wharton.
© Webster 1913.