Under the Brehon Law in Ireland, the only punishment recognized for all classes of offences, namely a money compensation.
Erie Ring.
A confederation of speculators who obtained control of the Erie Railway, and, working in with the Tammany Ring in New York, succeeded in amassing large fortunes, at the expense of the shareholders. The various transactions between the two rings were exposed in 1871, and the Erie Ring was ousted from the management of the railway.
Escheat.
The reversion to the crown of an estate held in vassalage, on the failure of heirs to the vassal.
Escuage.
See Scutage.
Essex Junto.
The name given to a party of extreme Federalists in the United States about 1800. The name is taken from Essex County, Massachusetts, which was the centre of their influence.