VASSAL¹, feudal² law. This was the name given to the holder³ of a fief, bound to perform feudal service; this word was then always correlative to that of lord, entitled to such service.

2. The vassal himself might be lord of some other vassal.

3. In aftertimes, this word was used to signify a species of slave who owed servitude, and was in a state of dependency on a superior lord. 2 Bl. Com. 53; Merl. Repert. h. t.

VECTIGALIA. Among the Romans this word signified duties which were paid to the prince for the importation and exportation of certain merchandise. They differed from tribute, which was a tax paid by each individual . Code, 4, 61, 5 and 13.

VEJOURS. An obsolete⁴ word, which signified viewers or experts. (q. v.)

VENAL⁵. Something that is bought. The term is generally applied⁶ in a bad sense; as, a venal office is an office which has been purchased.

VENDEE, contr. A purchaser; (q. v.) a buyer.

VENDITION. A sale; the act of selling.

VENDITIONI EXPONAS, practice. That you expose to sale. The name of a writ⁷ of execution, directed to the sheriff, commanding him to sell goods or chattels⁸, and in some states, lands, which he has taken in execution by virtue⁹ of a fieri facias, and which remain unsold.

2. Under this writ the sheriff is bound to sell the property in his hands, and he cannot return a second time, that he can get no buyers. Cowp. 406; and see 2 Saund. 47, 1. 2 Chit. Rep. 390; Com. Dig. Execution, C 8; Grab. Pr. 359; 8 Bouv. Inst. n. 3395.

VENDOR¹⁰, contracts. A seller. (q. v.) One wbo disposes of a thing in consideration of money. Vide Purchaser; Seller.

VENIRE FACIAS, practice, crim. law. According to the English law, the proper process to be issued on an indictment¹¹ for any petit misdemeanor, on a penal¹² statute¹³, is a writ called venire facias. 2. It is in the nature of a summons to cause the party to appear. 4 Bl. Com. 18 1 Chit. Cr. Law, 351.