Vaulting, was an exercise much used both amongst the Greeks and Romans. The Grecians called it ἀρχαία, and performed it with weights upon their heads and shoulders. Sometimes they carried the weights in their hands, which were of different figures, but generally oval, and made with holes or covered with thongs, through which the contenders put their fingers. These weights were called ἀρχαία. The contest was who could leap the highest and farthest. The place from whence they jumped was called βάργε, and that to which they leaped, ἀρχαία, because the ground was there dug up. This exercise was performed in the same manner by the Romans.

Lea, the name of a British king, said in old chronicles to have succeeded his father Bladud, about A.M. 3160. The story of this king and his three daughters is well known, from Shakespeare's excellent tragedy founded on it.

Lease, from the French leifer, demittere, "to let," in law, a demise, or letting of lands, tenements, or hereditaments, unto another for life, term of years, or at will, for a rent reserved.

A lease is either written, called an indenture, deed-roll, or lease in writing; or by word of mouth, called lease parole.

All estates, interests of freehold, or terms for years in lands, &c. not put in writing and signed by the parties, shall have no greater effect than as estates at will; unless it be of leases not exceeding three years from the making; wherein the rent reserved shall be two-thirds of the value of the things demised. Leases exceeding three years must be made in writing; and if the substance of a lease be put in writing, and signed by the parties, though it be not sealed, it shall have the effect of a lease for years, &c.

An assignment differs from a lease only in this, that by a lease one grants an interest less than his own, reserving to himself a reversion; in assignments he parts with the whole property, and the assignee stands to all intents and purposes in place of the assignor.