Dictionary.net

Anciently, a meeting of the inhabitants of a ward; also, a court formerly held in each ward of London for trying defaults in matters relating to the watch, police, and the like.

Anciently, a meeting of the inhabitants of a ward; also, a court formerly held in each ward of London for trying defaults in matters relating to the watch, police, and the like.

n. A meeting of a municipal ward ; also, a court of the ward, whose province it is to present defaults in matters relating to the watch, police, and the like.