Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Puisne
1.
Later in age, time, etc.; subsequent.
[Obs.]
“ A puisne date to eternity.” Sir M. Hale.
2.
Puny; petty; unskilled.
[Obs.]
3.
(Law)
Younger or inferior in rank; junior; associate;
as, a chief justice and three
puisne
justices of the Court of Common Pleas; the puisne
barons of the Court of Exchequer. Blackstone.
Puis′ne
,Noun.
One who is younger, or of inferior rank; a junior; esp., a judge of inferior rank.
It were not a work for
puisnes
and novices. Bp. Hall.
Webster 1828 Edition
Puisne
PUISNE
,Adj.
1.
In law, younger or inferior in rank; as a chief justice and three puisne justices of the court of common please; the puisne barons of the court of exchequer.2.
Later in date. [Not used.]Definition 2024
puisne
puisne
See also: puisné
English
Adjective
puisne (not comparable)
- (law) Inferior in rank. A puisne justice of a court is a judge other than the chief justice.
- the puisne barons of the Court of Exchequer
- (obsolete) Later in age, time, etc.; subsequent.
- Sir M. Hale
- a puisne date to eternity
- Sir M. Hale
- (obsolete) Puny; petty; unskilled.
Usage notes
- The term is used almost exclusively in common law jurisdictions such as England, Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, and formerly in Hong Kong. The equivalent term in the United States is associate justice.