something extraneous, or that comes from abroad. The word is formed from the Latin fores, "doors;" or seris, "out of doors;" or forum, "market," &c.

Foreign minister, foreign prince, foreign goods, &c. are those belonging to other nations. See MINISTER, &c.

Foreign to the purpose, signifies a thing remote or impertinent.

in the English Law, is used in various significations. Thus,

FOREIGN Attachment, is an attachment of the goods of foreigners found within a city or liberty, for the satisfaction of some citizen to whom the foreigner is indebted; or it signifies an attachment of a foreigner's money in the hands of another person.

FOREIGN Kingdom, a kingdom under the dominion of a foreign prince.

At the instance of an ambassador or consul, any offender against the laws here may be sent for hither from a foreign kingdom to which he hath fled. And, where a stranger of Holland, or any foreign country, buys goods at London, for instance, and there gives a note under his hand for payment, and then goes away privately into Holland; in that case, the seller may have a certificate from the lord mayor, on the proof of the sale and delivery of such goods, whereupon a process will be executed on the party in Holland.

FOREIGN Oppofer, or Appofer, an officer in the exchequer that opposes or makes a charge on all sheriffs, &c. of their green wax; that is to say, fines, illues, americaments, recognizances, &c.

FOREIGN Plea, signifies an objection to the judge of the court, by refusing him as incompetent, because the matter in question is not within his jurisdiction.

FOREIGN Seamen, serving two years on board British ships, whether of war, trade, or privateers, during the time of war, shall be deemed natural-born subjects.