Deforcement

In its most extensive sense it signifies the holding of any lands or tenements to which another person has a right so that this also includes an abatement, an intrusion, a disseisin, a discontinuance, or any other species of wrong whatsoever by which the owner of the freehold is kept out of possession. But, as contradistinguished from the former, it is only such a detainer of the freehold from him who has the right of property, as falls within none of the injuries above mentioned.

Scotch Law. The opposition given, or resistance made, to messengers or other officers, while they are employed in executing the law. This crime is punished by confiscation of movables, one half to the king, and the other to the creditor at whose suit the diligence is used.
   

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