formerly an office in Chancery, but abolished by 5th and 6th Vict. c.103. It was under the direction of a master, his deputy and clerks, and answered in some measure to the Roman fiscus. (See Fisc.) It received the name of Hanaper from the wicker baskets or hampers (hanaperia) in which the writs were anciently kept. Writs relating to the subject were deposited in these hanapers; while those concerning the Crown were kept in a little sack or bag; whence another office of the same court took the name of the Petty or Little Bag.