Legal Definitions - vendue

Vendue is a historical legal term that refers to a public sale, most commonly an auction. It specifically denotes a sale where goods or property are offered to the highest bidder in a public setting. In some contexts, it also referred to an execution sale, which is a forced public sale of a debtor's property, ordered by a court to satisfy a judgment or debt.

Here are some examples to illustrate the meaning of vendue:

• Example 1: General Public Auction

  Imagine a small town in the 19th century where a local merchant is retiring. To liquidate his remaining inventory and shop fixtures, he announces a "vendue" to be held in the town square. People from the surrounding areas gather, and an auctioneer sells off everything from bolts of fabric to display cases to the highest bidders.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates "vendue" as a straightforward public auction where various items are sold to the highest bidder in a public forum, demonstrating its primary meaning.

• Example 2: Court-Ordered Sale to Satisfy Debt

  A farmer in the early 20th century falls into significant debt and is unable to pay his creditors. A court issues an order for his assets, including his land, livestock, and farming equipment, to be sold to satisfy the judgment. The local sheriff organizes a "vendue" on the farmer's property, where the items are auctioned off to recover the outstanding funds.

  Explanation: Here, "vendue" refers to an execution sale, a specific type of public auction mandated by a court to settle a debt, demonstrating the term's application in legal enforcement.

• Example 3: Estate Liquidation

  Following the passing of a prominent citizen in the late 1800s, their estate needs to be settled. To distribute assets and generate funds for heirs or outstanding debts, the executor decides to hold a "vendue" of the deceased's personal effects, furniture, and art collection. Notices are posted, and the community attends to bid on the items.

  Explanation: This example shows "vendue" in the context of an estate liquidation, where property is publicly auctioned to manage the assets of a deceased person, highlighting another common historical use of the term.