coroner (koroner)

[ charged with the interests of the private property the crown, but whose main function modern times is to hold inquest on the bodies of those who may be supposed to have died violent deaths. His functions are now generally regulated by statute. He is often the substitute of the sheriff in cases where the latter is disqualified to act. See inquest, inqui sition. Coroner of the royal household, in England, an officer having jurisdiction, exclusive of the county coroner, to take inquisitions upon the bodies of all persons slain in the palace or in any house where the sovereign may happen to be. - Coroner's court, a tribunal of record, where the coroner holds his inquiries. - Coroner's inquest, the inquisition or investigation held by a coroner, usually with the aid of a coroner's jury called and presided over by him. The verdict of the jury as to the cause of death is not conclusive, but may be the foundation of a criminal prosecution against the person charged. coronet1 (kor'ō-net), n. [Also in some senses contracted cornet, cronet; She his hairy temples then had rounded With coronet of fresh and fragrant flowers. Shak ., M. N. D., iv. 1. Under a coronet his flowing hair In curls on either cheek play'd; wings he wore. Milton , P. L., iii. 640. 2. A crown representing a dignity inferior to that of the sovereign. The distinction between the coronets of different ranks of nobility as it now exists throughout Europe is of very modern origin. In England, the coronet of the Prince of Wales is composed of a cir- IMG:content-1338.png:[ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small] cle or fillet of gold, on the edge four cro es pattée alternating with as many fleurs-de-lis, and from the two side cro es an arch surmounted with a mound and cro ; the coronet of a duke is adorned with strawberry-leaves; that of a marquis has leaves with pearls (that is, silver balls) interposed; that of an earl has the pearls raised above the leaves; that of a viscount is surrounded with pearls only; that of a baron has only six pearls. See pearl, and cut un der baron. Battaile near Newbury in Berks hire , Sept. 20, 1643, p. 2.