Dictionary.net

In old English law. Mayhem, (q. v.) Maihemiumest homicidium inchoa- tum. 3 Inst.118. Mayhem is incipient homicide. Maihemiumest inter crimina majora minimnm, etinter minora maximum. Co. Litt. 127. Mayhem is the least of great crimes, and the greatest of small. Maihemium est membri mutilatio, et dici poterit, nbi aliquis in aliqua parte sui corporis eftectus sit inutilis ad pug- nandum. Co. Litt. 126. Mayhem is the mutilation of a member, and can be said to take place when a man is injured in any part of his body so as to be useless in fight.