a prize, or prey; particularly that of a ship taken at sea. Captures made at sea were formerly held to be the property of the captors after a possession of twenty-four hours; but the modern authorities require, that before the property can be changed, the goods must have been brought into port, and have continued a night *intra praesidia*, in a place of safe custody, so that all hope of recovering them was lost.

**CAPTURE** also denotes an arrest or seizure of a criminal, debtor, &c. at land.