a certain portion or part of duration applied to the existence of particular objects: thus we say, the age of the world, the age of Rome, &c. that is, the time or number of years elapsed since the creation of the world, or the building of Rome. See ASTRONOMY, Of the division of time.

The ancient poets also divided the duration of the world into four ages or periods; the first of which they called the golden age, the second the silver age, the third the brazen age, and the fourth the iron age.

Age, in law, signifies a certain period of life, when persons of both sexes are enabled to do certain acts: thus, a man at twelve years of age ought to take the oath of allegiance to the king in a leet; at fourteen he may marry, chuse his guardian, and claim his lands held in socage.

Twenty-one is called full age, a man or woman being then capable of acting for themselves, of managing their affairs, making contracts, disposing of their estates, and the like.

Age-prier, atatus precari, in law, is when an action being brought against a person under age, for lands defended to him, he, by motion or petition, shews the matter to the court, praying the action may be laid till his full age; which the court generally agrees to.

Age of the moon, in astronomy, the time elapsed since her last conjunction with the sun. See ASTRONOMY.