barratry

/ˈbɛrətri/

Definitions of barratry

1. noun

   (maritime law) a fraudulent breach of duty by the master of a ship that injures the owner of the ship or its cargo; includes every breach of trust such as stealing or sinking or deserting the ship or embezzling the cargo
   type of:

   fraud

   intentional deception resulting in injury to another person
2. noun

   the offense of vexatiously persisting in inciting lawsuits and quarrels
   type of:

   crime, criminal offence, criminal offense, law-breaking, offence, offense

   (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
3. noun

   traffic in ecclesiastical offices or preferments
   synonyms: simony

   type of:

   traffic

   buying and selling; especially illicit trade
4. noun

   the crime of a judge whose judgment is influenced by bribery
   type of:

   bribery, graft

   the practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage