Ăd'mi-ral-ty, n.
(112), n. [Fr. amirauté, O. Fr. amiraulte, L. Lat. admiralitas.]
- The power, or officers, appointed for the management of naval affairs.
- The building where the lords of the admiralty transact business.
Courts of admiralty, courts having cognizance of questions arising out of maritime affairs, and of crimes committed on the high seas. In England these courts are held before the Lord High Admiral, or his deputy, styled the Judge of the Admiralty. In America, there is no admiralty court distinct from others, but the cognizance of all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction is vested in the district courts of the United States. Craig. Wharton. Kent. Bouvier.