MANURE¹, Dung. When collected in a heap, it is considered as personal property, but, when spread, it becomes a part of the land and acquires the character of real estate. Alleyn, 31; 2 Ired. R. 326.

MANUS. Anciently signified the person taking an oath as a compurgator. The use of this word probably came from the party laying his hand on the New Testament². Manus signifies, among the civilians³, power, and is frequently used as synonymous with potestas. Lec. El. Dr. Rom. 94.

MANUSCRIPT. A writing; a writing which has never been printed.

2. The act of congress securing to authors a copyright passed February 3, 1831, sect⁴. 9, protects authors in their manuscripts, and renders any person who shall unlawfully publish a manuscript liable to an action, and authorizes⁵ the courts to enjoin⁶ the publisher. See Copyright. The right of the author, to his manuscripts, at common law, cannot be contested. 4 Burr. 2396; 2 Eden, Ch. R. 329; 2 Story, R. 100; 2 Atk. 342; Ambl. 694; 2 B. & A. 290; 2 Story, Eq. Jur. 943; Eden, Inj. 322; 2 B. & A. 298; 2 Bro. P. C. (Toml ed.) 138; 4 Vin. Ab. 278; 2 Atk. 342; 2 Ves. & B. 23. These rights will be considered as abandoned if the author publishes his manuscripts, without securing the copyright under the acts of congress. See Bouv. Inst. Index, h. t.; Copyright.

MARAUDER. One who, while employed in the army as a soldier, commits a larceny⁷ or robbery in the neighborhood of the camp, or while wandering away from the army. Merl. Repert. h. t.

MARC-BANCO. The name of a coin. The marc-banco of Hamburg, as money of account, at the custom-house, is deemed and taken to be of the value of thirty-five cents. Act of March 3, 1843.

MARCHES, Eng. law. This word signifies the limits, or confines, or borders. Bac. Law Tracts⁸, tit. Jurisdiction⁹ of the. Marches, p. 246. It was applied¹⁰ to the limits between England and Wales or Scotland. In Scotland the term marches is applied to the boundaries between private properties.

MARETUM. Marshy¹¹ ground overflowed¹² by the sea or great rivers. Co. Litt. 5.

MARINARIUS. An ancient word which signified a mariner¹⁴ or seaman¹⁵; in England marinarius capitaneus, was the admiral or warden¹⁶ of the ports.

MARINE¹³. Whatever concerns the navigation of the sea, and forms the naval¹⁷ power of a nation is called its marine.

MARINE CONTRACT. One which relates to business done or transacted¹⁸ upon the sea and in sea ports, and over which the courts of admiralty have jurisdiction concurrent¹⁹ with the courts of common law; such contracts include according to civilians and jurists among other things, charter parties, affreightments, marine hypothecations, contracts for the marine service in the building, re-pairing, supplying and navigating²⁰ ships; contracts and quasi contracts respec- ting averages, contributions and jettisons²¹, and policies of insurance. 2 Gall²². R. 398, where Judge Story gave a very learned opinion on the subject.