Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Barratry \Bar"ra*try\, n. [Cf. F. baraterie, LL. barataria. See
   {Barrator}, and cf. {Bartery}.]
   1. (Law) The practice of exciting and encouraging lawsuits
      and quarrels. [Also spelt {barretry}.] --Coke. Blackstone.

   2. (Mar. Law) A fraudulent breach of duty or willful act of
      known illegality on the part of a master of a ship, in his
      character of master, or of the mariners, to the injury of
      the owner of the ship or cargo, and without his consent.
      It includes every breach of trust committed with dishonest
      purpose, as by running away with the ship, sinking or
      deserting her, etc., or by embezzling the cargo. --Kent.
      Part.

   3. (Scots Law) The crime of a judge who is influenced by
      bribery in pronouncing judgment. --Wharton.