Note 92 — Book II.

Assisa is derived, by Cowell, from the French asseoir, to sit. The term has a variety of significations. We shall briefly mention some of the chief.—1. It signifieth a Writ, thus assisa of novel disseisin of Juris Utrum, &c. 2. It signified a Jury. 3. It meant a statute or law, thus assisa panis et cervisiæ—assisa de Clarendon, &c. 4. It is used for the court, place, or time, where writs of assise were taken. 5. It meant a certain number. 6. It imported a tax, or tribute. 7. It was used for a fine. (Vide Spelm. Gloss. Anglo-Sax. LL. Ed. Wilkins, p. 328.)