deforcements

Noun

deforcement (countable and uncountable, plural deforcements)

1. A keeping out by force or wrong; a wrongful withholding, as of lands or tenements, to which another has a right.
2. (historical, Scots law) Resistance to an officer in the execution of law. It is similar to resisting arrest or obstruction of justice in modern law.
   • There was something in the air and tone of the young soldier, which seemed to argue that his interference was not likely to be confined to mere expostulation; and which, if it promised finally of a process of battery and deforcement, would certainly commence with the unpleasant circumstances...1816, Sir Walter Scott, The Antiquary, Oxford University Press, published 2002, page 397