Ravish, Ravishment Ravishment Of Ward

RAVISH, - In indictments for rape, this technical word must be introduced, for no other word, nor any circumlocution, will answer the purpose. The defendant should be charged with having "feloniously ravished" the prosecutrix, or woman mentioned in the indictment. The words "feloniously did ravish and carnally know," imply that the act was done forcibly and against the will of the woman.

RAVISHMENT - This word has several meanings. 1. It is an unlawful taking of a woman, or an heir in ward. 2. It is sometimes used synonymously with rape.

RAVISHMENT OF WARD - Eng. law. The marriage of an infant ward, without the consent of the guardian, is called a ravishment of ward, and punishable by statute.
   

This entry contains material from Bouvier's Legal Dictionary, a work published in the 1850's.