Law. [CROSS a. 6, CROSS- 9.] A bill filed in Chancery by a defendant against the plaintiff or other co-defendants in the same suit. b. A bill of exchange given in consideration of another bill (Wharton).
1637. in Select. Harl. Misc. (1793), 315. That their honours will be pleased to accept of a cross bill against the prelates.
1678. Butler, Hud., III. iii. 655. Who, putting in a new cross-bill, May traverse th’ action.
1768. Blackstone, Comm., III. 448. If he [the defendant] has any relief to pray against the plaintiff, he must do it by an original bill of his own, which is called a cross bill.
1883. Law Rep. 11 Q. Bench Div. 466. A counter-claim is like a cross-bill under the former practice in equity, which fell with the original bill.
