PETIT, adjective pet'ty. Small; little; mean.

This word petit is now generally written petty.

PETIT constable, an inferior civil officer subordinate to the high constable.

PETIT jury, a jury of twelve freeholders who are empanneled to try causes at the bar of a court; so called in distinction from the grand jury, which tries the truth of indictments.

PETIT larceny, the stealing of goods of the value of twelve pence, or under that amount; opposed to grand larceny.

serjeanty, in English law, the tenure of lands of the king, by the service of rendering to him annually some implement of war, as a bow, an arrow, a sword, lance, etc.

PETIT treason, the crime of killing a person, to whom the offender owes duty or subjection. Thus it is petit treason for a wife to kill her husband, or a servant his lord or master.