Feme covert
Feme covert: Law French for "covered woman." A married woman under the common-law doctrine of coverture, whose legal rights were merged into her husband's. Compare feme sole.

What feme covert means
Put simply, feme covert is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.
Where feme covert comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses feme covert in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Federal Reserve: the central bank of the United States, created by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913.
- Federal Reserve note: paper currency issued by the Federal Reserve Banks, which is the paper money in everyday use in the United States.
- Felony: a serious crime. Under federal law, it is an offense with a maximum prison term of more than one year (18 U.S.C. § 3559(a)(1) to (5)). A felony conviction can carry lasting effects, such as limits on firearm possession. Each state defines its own felonies.
- Felony disenfranchisement: the loss of the right to vote because of a criminal conviction.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.
