barratry

/ˈbɛrətri/
noun
  1. The act of a ship's captain or crew doing something illegal or against the owner's interests, causing loss or damage.
    • The captain was charged with barratry after he deliberately sank the ship for the insurance money.
    • The insurance company refused to pay because the shipwreck was caused by barratry.
    • Maritime law defines barratry as any fraudulent or criminal act by the crew that harms the vessel or its cargo.
  2. The act of a lawyer who stirs up unnecessary lawsuits or encourages people to sue for personal gain.
    • The judge dismissed the case and warned the lawyer about the penalties for barratry.
    • Laws against barratry are meant to prevent lawyers from creating frivolous lawsuits.
    • The attorney was disbarred for barratry after he paid people to file false claims.
What does "barratry" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean