Bar"ra*try (?), n. [Cf. F. baraterie, LL. barataria. See Barrator, and cf. Bartery.]
1. Law
The practice of exciting and encouraging lawsuits and quarrels.
[Also spelt
barretry.]
Coke. Blackstone.
2. Mar. Law
A fraudulent breach of duty or willful act of known illegality on the part of a master of a ship, in his character of master, or of the mariners, to the injury of the owner of the ship or cargo, and without his consent. It includes every breach of trust committed with dishonest purpose, as by running away with the ship, sinking or deserting her, etc., or by embezzling the cargo.
Kent. Part.
3. Scots Law
The crime of a judge who is influenced by bribery in pronouncing judgment.
Wharton.
© Webster 1913.