Pais \Pa`is\, n. [OF. pu["i]s, F. pays, country.]

(O. E. Law) The country; the people of the neighborhood.

Note: A trial per pais is a trial by the country, that is, by a jury; and matter in pais is matter triable by the country, or jury.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)