Stock, Stocks

STOCK - The capital of a merchant tradesman, or other person including his merchandise, money and credits. In a narrower sense it signifies only the goods and wares he has for sale and traffic. The capital of corporations is also called stock; this is usually divided into shares of a definite value, as one hundred dollars, fifty dollars per share.

The stock held by individuals in corporations is generally considered as personal property.

descents. This is a metaphorical expression which designates, in the genealogy of a family, the person from whom others are descended: those persons who have so descended are called branches.

STOCKS - A machine commonly made of wood, with holes in it, in which to confine persons accused of or guilty of a crime.

It was used either to confine unruly offenders by way of security, or convicted criminals for punishment.

This barbarous punishment has been generally abandoned in the United States.
   

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