1.Partnership in power; equal share of authority. (Obs.) "Beauté ne sleighte, strengthe ne hardyness, Ne may with Venus holde champartye."
2.(Law) The prosecution or defense of a suit, whether by furnishing money or personal services, by one who has no legitimate concern therein, in consideration of an agreement that he shall receive, in the event of success, a share of the matter in suit; maintenance with the addition of an agreement to divide the thing in suit. See Maintenance. Note: By many authorities champerty is defined as an agreement of this nature. From early times the offence of champerty has been forbidden and punishable.
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