Extracted From:
  A LAW DICTIONARY ..., SIXTH EDITION, 1856
  by John Bouvier
  CHILDS & PETERSON, PHILADELPHIA

BASE. Something low; inferior. This word is frequently used in composition; as
base court, base estate, base fee, &c. 

BASE COURT. An inferior court, one not of record. Not used.

BASE ESTATE, English law. The estate which base tenants had in their lands. Base
tenants were a degree above villeins, the latter being compelled to perform all
the commands of their lords; the former did not hold their lands by the
performance of such commands....

BASE FEE, English law. A tenure in fee at the will of the lord. This was
distinguished from socage free tenure....

==== SCROOTS Mailing List ====