Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AD'MI-RAL-TY, n.

In Great Britain, the office of lord high admiral. This office is discharged by one person, or by commissioners, called lords of the admiralty; usually seven in number. The admiralty court, or court of admiralty, is the supreme court for the trial of maritime causes, held before the lord high admiral, or lords of the admiralty. In general, a court of admiralty is a court for the trial of causes arising on the high seas, as prize causes and the like. In the United States, there is no admiralty court, distinct from others; but the district courts, established in the several states by Congress, are invested with admiralty powers.