DE VENTRE INSPICIENDO
\də vˈɛntəɹ ɪnspˈɪʃəndˌə͡ʊ], \də vˈɛntəɹ ɪnspˈɪʃəndˌəʊ], \d_ə v_ˈɛ_n_t_ə_ɹ ɪ_n_s_p_ˈɪ_ʃ_ə_n_d_ˌəʊ]\
Definitions of DE VENTRE INSPICIENDO
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A writ to inspect the body, where a woman feigns to be pregnant, to see whether she is with child. It lies for the heir presumptive to examine a widow suspected to be feigning pregnancy in order to enable a supposititious heir to obtain the estate. 1 Bl. Comm. 456; 2 Steph. Comm. 2S7. It lay also where a woman sentenced to death pleaded pregnancy. 4 Bl. Comm. 495. This writ has been recognized in America. 2 Chand. Crim. Tr. 381.
By Henry Campbell Black
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'of inspecting the belly.' Where there is reason to suppose that a woman feigns herself pregnant, a writ de ventre inspiciendo may be issued to determine whether she be so or not. Until recently, in England, the decision was left to twelve matrons and twelve respectable men, according to the strict terms of the ancient writ.
By Robley Dunglison
