Close

CLOSE, a closed place (Lat. clausum, shut). In English law the term is applied to land, enclosed or not, held as private prop erty, or to any exclusive interest in land sufficient to maintain an action for trespass. In Scotland the word is used of the entry, including the common staircase, of a block of tenement houses, and in architecture of the precincts of a cathedral or abbey.

The adjective "close"

(i.e., closed) is found in several phrases, such as "close time" or "close season" (see GAME LAWS), "close prices" (q.v.) ; "close borough," one of which the rights and privi leges were enjoyed by a limited class (see BOROUGH) ; "close rolls and writs," royal letters, etc., addressed to particular persons, under seal. (See RECORD; LETTERS PATENT.)