[ˈbarətri], (Noun)

Definitions:
- fraud or gross negligence of a ship's master or crew at the expense of its owners or users

- vexatious litigation or incitement to it (abolished as an offence in Britain in 1967)

- trade in the sale of Church or state appointments


Phrases:

Origin:
late Middle English (in barratry): from Old French baraterie, from barater ‘deceive’, based on Greek prattein ‘do, perform, manage’ (sometimes dishonestly); perhaps influenced by Old Norse barátta ‘contest’