This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Xd.2ADE/1490.1 Message Board Post: Black's Law Dictionary (1951 edition) defines "waste" in legal terms as "an abuse or destrutive use of property by one in rightful possession." In practical terms (and assuming this is the way the term is used), I can only speculate as to what Martha RUFFIN allegedly did with regard to her property. Perhaps she didn't maintain a building to the point that it became a hazard? Perhaps, although not engaged in any way directly, she allowed a house she owned to be used for prositution? Maybe she shot her cow for no good reason? I can only guess. Hope this helps in some small way. John in TX