General

General, ^* This word has several meanings, namely:

1. A principal officer, particularly in the army.

2. Something opposed to special; as, a general verdict, the general issue, which expressions are used in contradistinction to special verdict, special issue.

3. Principal, as the general post office.

4. Not select, as a general ship. (q. v.)

5. Not particular, as a general custom.

6. Not limited, as general jurisdiction.

7. This word is sometimes annexed or prefixed to other words to express or limit the extent of their signification; as Attorney General, Solicitor General, the General Assembly, &c.

^* From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, 1856 Edition. Please see Bouvier's Legal Abbreviations & Abbreviated References for help with obscure nomenclature & references.