in law, a privilege to be free from some service or appearance: thus, barons and peers of the realm are, on account of their dignity, exempted from being sworn upon inquests; and knights, clergymen, and others, from appearing at the sheriff's turn. Persons of 70 years of age, apothecaries, &c. are also by law exempted from serving on juries; and justices of the peace, attorneys, &c. from parish-offices.