Legal Definitions - scite

The term scite is an archaic legal term, meaning it is rarely used in modern legal practice. Historically, it carried a few distinct meanings:

• 1. A location or site: In its most general sense, scite referred to a specific place or area.

  • Example: An old town planning document from the 17th century might describe the "optimal scite for the new public square," indicating the chosen physical location for its construction.

    Explanation: Here, scite is used to identify the particular piece of land designated for a specific purpose, much like we would use the word "site" today.

• 2. The site of a capital messuage: More specifically, scite could refer to the precise location of the principal dwelling house on an estate, often including its immediate grounds and associated buildings.

  • Example: A medieval land grant might detail the transfer of an estate, specifying that the "scite of the main manor house, along with its gardens and stables," was included in the conveyance.

    Explanation: This usage narrows the meaning of scite to the core residential area of a large property, distinguishing it from other agricultural lands or outlying structures.

• 3. A municipal ordinance: In some historical contexts, scite could also refer to a law or regulation enacted by a local government, such as a city or town council.

  • Example: Records from an early colonial town council meeting might show a resolution passed concerning "the proper disposal of waste, as per the latest scite enacted by the council."

    Explanation: In this context, scite functions as a synonym for a local law or bylaw, demonstrating the authority of the municipal body to create regulations for its jurisdiction.