Definitions from Black's Law Dictionary: 2nd Edition and Ballentine's Law Dictionary as are available for each term in each dictionary.
  • Ballentine's Law Dictionary

    A transfer without compulsion of the law, by a debtor of his property to an assignee in trust to apply the same, or the proceeds thereof, to the payment of his debts, and to return the surplus, if any, to the debtor. See 133 111. 45, 24 N. E. 74.