a person who by consent, commandment, or request, takes heed, fees, and takes upon him the charge of other mens business, in their absence. Attorney is either general or special: Attorney-general is he that by general authority is appointed to all our affairs or suits; as the attorney-general of the king, which is nearly the same with procurator Caesaris in the Roman empire. Attorneys-general are made either by the king's letters-patent, or by our appointment before justices in eyre, in open court. Attorney special or particular, is he that is employed in one or more causes particularly specified. There are also, in respect of the divers courts, attorneys at large, and attorneys special, belonging to this or that court only.

Attorneys in common law, are nearly the same with proctors in the civil law, and solicitors in courts of equity. Attorneys sue out writs of process, or commence, carry on, and defend actions, or other proceedings, in the names of other persons, in the courts of common law. None are admitted to act without having served a clerkship for five years, taking the proper oath, being enrolled, and examined by the judges. The attorney-general pleads within the bar. To him come warrants for making out patents, pardons, &c., and he is the principal manager of all law-affairs of the crown.

Letter of Attorney. See LETTER.

Warrant of Attorney. See WARRANT.