Appraisement

Appraisement. A writ or commission of appraisement is one commanding the persons to whom it is directed to ascertain and return (that is, report) the value of certain property, as where goods are forfeited to the crown. Appraisers are persons employed to value goods, repairs, labour, etc.; they are required to take out an annual licence. According to an old statute, appraisers valuing goods too highly were compelled to take them at their own valuation. By the Law of Distress Amendment Act, 1888, goods need not in general now be appraised before sale, but are to be appraised only if the tenant or other owner of the goods in writing requires such appraisement to be made.