In old English law . Strictly, an accomplice in felony who to save himself confessed the fact, and charged or accused any other as principal or accessory, against whom he was bound to make good his charge. It also signified au approver, or one who undertakes to prove a crime charged upon another. Jacob. See State v. Graham, 41 N. J. Law, 10, 32 Am. Rep. 174.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
