deceit

A fraudulent and deceptive misrepresentation, artifice, or device, used by one or more persons to deceive and trick another, who is ignorant of the true facts, to the prejudice and damage of the party imposed upon. To constitute "deceit," the statement must be untrue, made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless and conscious ignorance thereof, especially if parties are not on equal terms, made with intent that plaintiff act thereon or in a manner apparently fitted to induce him to act thereon, and plaintiff must act in reliance on the statement in the manner contemplated, or manifestly probable, to his injury.

See also fraud

- misrepresentation

- reliance.

For larceny by deceit, see larceny.

In old English law, the name of an original writ, and the action founded on it, which lay to recover damages for any injury committed deceitfully, either in the name of another (as by bringing an action in another's name, and then suffering a nonsuit, whereby the plaintiff became liable to costs), or by a fraudulent warranty of goods, or other personal injury committed contrary to good faith and honesty. Also the name of a judicial writ which formerly lay to recover lands which had been lost by default by the tenant in a real action, in consequence of his not having been summoned by the sheriff, or by the collusion of his attorney