Law Dictionary

livery of seisin

estates. A delivery of possession of lands, tenements, and hereditaments, unto one entitled to the same. This was a ceremony used in the common law for the conveyance of real estate; and the livery was in deed, which was performed by the feoffor and the feoffee going upon the land, and the latter receiving it from the former; or in law, where the game was not made on the land, but in sight of it. 2 Bl. Com. 315, 316.

2. In most of the states, livery of seisin is unnecessary, it having been dispensed with either by express law or by usage. The recording of the deed has the same effect. In Maryland, however, it seems that a deed cannot operate as a feoffment, without livery of seisin. 5 Harr. & John. 158. Vide 4 Kent, Com. 381 2 Hill, Ab. c. 26, s. 4; 1 Misso. R. 553; 1 Pet. R. 508; 1 Bay's R. 107; 5 Har. & John. 158; Fairf. R. 318; Dane's Abridgment, h. t.; and the article Seisin.

Source : Bouvier 1856

Language : English

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