champerty

noun

cham·​per·​ty ˈcham-pər-tē 

: a proceeding by which a person not a party in a suit bargains to aid in or carry on its prosecution or defense in consideration of a share of the matter in suit

champertous

ˈcham-pər-təs 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

Middle English champartie, from Anglo-French, from champart share in litigious property, from champ field (from Latin campus) + part portion — more at part

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

champerty

noun

cham·​per·​ty ˈcham-pər-tē 

plural champerties

: an unenforceable agreement by which a person with otherwise no interest in a lawsuit agrees to aid in or carry on its litigation in consideration of a share of the subject matter of the suit (as property or damages) compare maintenance

Etymology

Anglo-French champartie bargaining for a share of disputed property, from champart share of crops paid as rent, share of property in dispute, from champ field + part portion