Champerty /(?)/

Cham·per·ty

Champerty

n.
  1. Partnership in power; equal share of authority. [Obs.]
    Beauté ne sleighte, strengthe ne hardyness, Ne may with Venus holde champartye.
  2. The prosecution or defense of a suit, whether by furnishing money or personal services, by one who has no legitimate concern therein, in consideration of an agreement that he shall receive, in the event of success, a share of the matter in suit; maintenance with the addition of an agreement to divide the thing in suit. See Maintenance. (Law)