Law. Now only Hist. [STATUTE sb. + MERCHANT a.
An elliptical use of the designation of the Statute of Merchants of 1285, (Anglo-L. statutum de mercatoribus, also statutum mercatorium, AFr. estatut marchand) whence the powers of summary execution of this kind of instrument were derived.]
A bond of record, acknowledged before the chief magistrate of a trading town, giving to the obligee power of seizure of the land of the obligor if he failed to pay his debt at the appointed time.
[1347–8. Rolls of Parlt., II. 211/2. Robert Lok, & Walter de Norton furent tenutz & obligetz a dit Everard en centz & vintz livrez d’essterlings par Estatu Marchaund a paier a certein jour.]
1442. Calverley Charters (Thoresby Soc., 1904), 253. Walter shall fynd sufficiant surety, boundon in statute marchant, in D marc’ to the saide Sir John.
1456. in Sel. Cases Chanc. (Selden Soc.), 139. A statut marchant of ccc.li. specyfied yn the sayde bylle.
1463. Mann. & Househ. Exp. (Roxb.), 180. An oblygasyon of statew marchend. cc. marke.
1592. Greene, Black Book’s Messenger, Wks. (Grosart), XI. 30. The welthy Gentleman … lends him money, and takes a faire Statute marchant of his Lands before a Iudge.
1592. Nashe, P. Penilesse, Wks. (Grosart), II. 15. The Diuel … would let one for a neede, haue a thousand poundes vppon a Statute Merchaunt of his soule.
1766. Blackstone, Comm., II. x. 160. During such time as the creditor so holds the lands, he is tenant by statute merchant or statute staple.
1825. Owen & Blakeway, Shrewsbury, I. 541. The Clerk of the Statute Merchant.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., xii. III. 211. How much money had proprietors borrowed on mortgage, on statute merchant, on statute staple!
