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Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Edition (1856)

MAJORITY, persons. The state or condition of a person who has arrived at
full age. He is then said to be a major, in opposition to minor, which is
his condition during infancy.


MAJORITY, government. The greater number of the voters; though in another
sense, it means the greater number of votes given in which sense it is a
mere plurality. (q.v.)
2. In every well regulated society, the majority has always claimed and
exercised the right to govern the whole society, in the manner pointed out
by the fundamental laws and the minority are bound, whether they have
assented or not, for the obvious reason that opposite wills cannot prevail
at the same time, in the same society, on the same subject. 1 Tuck. Bl. Com.
App. 168, 172; 9 Dane's Ab. 37 to 43; 1 Story, Const. Sec. 330.
3. As to the rights of the majority of part owners of vessels, vide 3
Kent, Com. 114 et seq. As to the majority of a church, vide 16 Mass. 488.
4. In the absence of all stipulations, the general rule in partnerships
is, that each partner has an equal voice, and a majority acting bonafide,
have the right to manage the partnership concerns, and dispose of the
partnership property, notwithstanding the dissent of the minority; but in
every case when the minority have a right to give an opinion, they ought to
be notified. 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 1954.
5. As to the majorities of companies or corporations, see Angel, Corp.
48, et seq.; 3 M. R. 495. Vide, generally, Rutherf. Inst. 249; 9 Serg. &
Rawle, 99; Bro. Corporation, pl. 63; 15 Vin. Abr. 183, 184; and the article
Authority; Plurality; Quorum.