JEOFAILLE, (compounded of three French words, Fay faillie, "I have failed"), a term in law, used for an oversight in pleading or other proceedings at law.
The shewing of these defects or oversights was formerly often practised by the counsel; and when the jury came into court in order to try the issue, they said, This inquest you ought not to take; and after verdict they would say to the court, To judgment you ought not to go. But several statutes have been made to avoid the delays occasioned by such suggestions; and a judgment is not to be stayed after verdict for mistaking the Christian or surname of either of the parties, or in a sum of money, or in the day, month, year, &c. where the same are rightly named in any preceding record.