PARENT

The lawful father or the mother of a person. Appeal of Gibson, 154 Ma . 378, 28 N. E. 200. This word is distinguisiied from "ancestors" in including only the immediate progenitors of the person, while the latter embraces his more remote relatives in the ascending line. PARENTELA, or de parentela se tollere, in old English law, signified a renunciation of one's kindred and family. This was, according to ancient custom, done in open court, before the judge, and In the presenee of twelve men, who made oath that they believed it was done for a just cause. We read of it in the laws of Henry I..After such abjuration, the person was incapable of inheriting anythl'ng from any of his relations, etc. Enc. Lond. [s. 878]