interesting thought, and may be, though Johnson - 1755 and 1802 - does not extend the definition further than I did, and does not describe "mitts" beyond "mittens". Thanks. I will see what I can find and let you know. I also will include your notion in my next dictionary, credit to you, of course. Paul ----- Original Message ----- From: Phyllis Solter To: 'Paul Drake' Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 9:45 AM Subject: RE: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] Re: Paul Drake Explaining the phrase "keep your mitts of him" I'd bet. Phyllis Solter -----Original Message----- From: Paul Drake [mailto:pauldrake@charter.net] Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 3:50 PM To: VA-SOUTHSIDE-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] Re: Paul Drake Sure is, Audrey, and it will appear in my next volume, now at the publisher and very near done. The word "mittimus" is a term of the criminal practice and refers to an order from any court with jurisdiction and directed both to the sheriff (or constable) and the jailor, whoever that might be. It orders the sheriff to arrest and convey some person to the jailkeeper and also orders that jailor to secure that person as a prisoner, subject to further order of the court. Paul ----- Original Message ----- From: Audrey Pool To: VA-SOUTHSIDE-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 5:12 PM Subject: [VA-SOUTHSIDE-L] Re: Paul Drake Paul, Is there such a word in the legal world called "mittimus?" I just recently wrote a skit and legals issues were part of same. The way the word was used indicated "false charges" or something to that effect. I looked in your book, but couldn't find what I need. Thanks, Audrey ==== VA-SOUTHSIDE Mailing List ==== Do not post Advertisements, Chain Letters, Virus Warnings etc. to this list. If in doubt, Contact: G. Lee Hearl, Adm. at: glh@naxs.com Hosted by Rootsweb http://www.rootsweb.com ============================== Search the US Census Collection. Over 140 million records added in the last 12 months. Largest online collection in the world. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13965/rd.ashx -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: 9/2/2005 ==== VA-SOUTHSIDE Mailing List ==== Problems Subscribing or Unsubscribing ? Contact: G. Lee Hearl List Adm. at: glh@naxs.com Hosted by Rootsweb http://www.rootsweb.com ============================== Search Family and Local Histories for stories about your family and the areas they lived. Over 85 million names added in the last 12 months. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13966/rd.ashx -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.18/89 - Release Date: 9/2/2005