BILL denotes also a declaration in writing, expressing either some wrong the complainant has suffered by the defendant, or else a fault that the party complained of has committed against some law or statute of the realm.
This bill is sometimes exhibited to justices at the general assizes, by way of indictment, or referred to others having jurisdiction; but more especially is addressed to the lord-chancellor, for inconfessionable wrongs done. It contains the thing or fact complained of, the damage sustained, and a petition or process against the defendant for redress; and is used both in criminal and civil cases. In a criminal case, the words BILLA vera are indorsed by the grand jury upon a presentment, thereby signifying, that they find the same made with probable evidence, and on that account worthy of farther consideration.