Embargo

(-bar'go,) (pl. EMBARGOES.) [Sp., an arresting.] (Pol.) A prohibition i ued by the government authorities of a country, to prevent merchant-ve els leaving or entering the seaports of such country. It is generally imposed in time of war, or during fear of approaching invasion; and, in such cases, all ships under E.are generally supposed to be held at the disposal of the govt., to be employed by the latter in armaments, hostile expeditions, transportation of troops, munitions of war, . Should nece ity arise, a govt. also has power to lay an E. upon the ships of its subjects, in order to convert them, for the time being, to the public use. [s. 327]