Pew
PEW. A seat in a church separated from all others, with a convenient space
to stand therein.
2. It is an incorporeal interest in the real property. And, although a
man has the exclusive right to it, yet, it seems, he cannot maintain
trespass against a person entering it; 1 T. R. 430; but case is the proper
remedy. 3 B. & Ald. 361; 8 B. & C. 294; S. C. 15 Eng. C. L. R. 221.
3. The right to pews is limited and usufructuary, and does not
interfere with the right of the parish or congregation to pull down and
rebuild the church. 4 Ohio R 541; 5 Cowen's R. 496; 17 Mass. R. 435; 1 Pick.
R. 102; 3 Pick. R. 344; 6 S. & R. 508; 9 Wheat. R. 445; 9 Cranch, R. 52; 6
John. R. 41; 4 Johns. Ch. R. 596; 6 T. R. 396. Vide Pow. Mortgages, Index,
h.t.; 2 Bl. Com. 429; 1 Chit. Pr. 208, 210; 1 Pow. Mort. 17 n.
4. In Connecticut and Maine, and in Massachusetts, (except in Boston),
pews are considered real estate: in Boston they are personal chattels. In
New Hampshire they are personal property. 1 Smith's St. 145. The precise
nature of such property does not appear to be well settled in New York. 15
Wend. R. 218; 16 Wend. R. 28; 5 Cowen's R. 494. See Rev. St. Mass. 413;
Conn. L. 432; 10 Mass. R. 323 17 Mass. 438; 7 Pick. R. 138; 4 N. H. Rep.
180; 4 Ohio R. 515; 4 Harr. & McHen. 279; Harr. Dig. Ecclesiastical Law.
Vide Perturbation of seat; Best on Pres. 111; Crabb on R. P. Sec. 481 to
497.
amen corner,
anxious bench,
anxious seat,
booth,
box,
cavity,
cell,
cellule,
chamber,
compartment,
crib,
crypt,
enclosed space,
hold,
hole,
hollow,
manger,
penitent form,
sedilia,
stall,
vault
pew - long bench with backs; used in church by the congregation