in general, something contrary to truth, or not what it ought to be: thus we say a false ac- tion, false weights, false claim, &c.

False Action, if brought against one whereby he is cast into prison, and dies pending the suit, the law gives no remedy in this case, because the truth or falsehood of the matter cannot appear before it is tried; and if the plaintiff is barred, or non-suited at com- mon law, regularly all the punishment is amerce- ment.

False Imprisonment, is a trespass committed against a person, by arresting and imprisoning him without just cause, contrary to law; or where a man is un- lawfully detained without legal process: and it is al- so used for a writ which is brought for this trespass. If a person be any way unlawfully detained, it is false imprisonment; and considerable damages are recoverable in those actions.

False News, spreading of, in order to make discord between the king and nobility, or concerning any great man of the realm, is punishable by common law with fine and imprisonment; which is confirmed by statutes Westm. I. 3 Edw. I. cap. 34. 2 Rich. II. stat. 1. cap. 5, and 12 Rich. II. cap. 11.

False Oath. See Perjury.

False Prophecy. See Prophecy.

False Quarter, in Farriery. See Quarters, Farriery Index.

False Bay, a bay lying to the eastward of the Cape of Good Hope; frequented by vessels during the prevalence of the north-westerly winds, which begin to exert their influence in May, and render it dangerous to remain in Table bay. It is terminated to the eastward by False Cape, and to the westward by the Cape of Good Hope. It is 18 miles wide at its entrance, and the two capes bear due east and west from each other.