THIRD PARTIES. This term includes all persons who are not parties to the contract, agrement or instrument of writing, by which their interest in the thing conveyed is sought to be affected¹. 1 N. S. 384. See also 2 L. R. 425 6 M. R. 528.

2. But it is difficult to give a very definite idea of third persons, for sometimes those who are not parties to the contract, but who represent the rights of the original parties, as executors, are not to be considered third person. See Duverg. tome 16, n. 34, 35, 36, et idem, tome 17, n. 190; 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 1335, et seq.

THIRLAGE, Scotch² law. The name of servitude by which lands are astricted or thirled to a particular mill, and the possessors bound to grind their grain there, for the payment of certain multures and sequels as the agreed price of grinding. Ersk. Prin. B. 2, t. 9, n. 18.

THOROUGHFARE. A street or way so open that one can go through and get out of it without returning. It differs from a cul de sac, (q. v.) which is open only at one end.

2. Whether a street which is not a thoroughfare is a highway, seems not fully³ settled. See 1 Campb. 260; 5 Taunt⁴. 137; 11 East, 376, n.; Hawk⁵. P. C. B. 1, c. 76, s. 1; 5 Barn. & Ald. 456. See Dedication⁶.

THOUGHT. The operation of the mind. No one can be punished for his mere⁷ thoughts however wicked they may be. Human laws cannot reach them, first, because they are unknown; and, secondly⁸, unless made manifest by some action, they are not injurious to any one; but when they manifest themselves, then the act, which is the consequence, may be punished. Dig. 50 16, 225.

THREAD. A figurative expression used to signify the central line of a stream or water course. Harg. Tracts⁹, 5; 4 Mason's Rep. 397; Holt's R. 490. Vide Filum aguae; Island; Water course; River.

THREAT, crim. law. A menace of destruction or injury to the lives or property of those against whom it is made.

2. Sending threatening letters to persons for the purpose of extorting¹⁰ money, is said to, be a misdemeanor at common law. Hawk. B. 1, c. 53, s. 1; 2 Russ. on Cr. 575; 2 Chit. Cr. L. 841; 4 Bl. Com. l26. To be indictable, the threat must be of a nature calculated to overcome a firm and prudent¹¹ man. The party who makes a threat may be held to bail¹² for his good behaviour. Vide Com. Dig. Battery, D; 13 Vin. Ab. 357.