Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
overt
o′vert
(ō-vẽrt′ or ō′vẽrt)
, Adj.
1.
Open to view; public; apparent; manifest. Opposite of
hidden
. Overt
and apparent virtues bring forth praise. Bacon.
2.
(Law)
Not covert; open; public; manifest;
as, an
. overt
act of treasonMacaulay.
No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same
overt
act, or on confession in open court. Constitution of the U. S.
☞ In criminal law, an overt act is an open act done in pursuance and manifestation of a criminal design; the mere design or intent not being punishable without such act. In English law, market overt is an open market; a pound overt is an open, uncovered pound.
Webster 1828 Edition
Overt
O'VERT
,Adj.
Open to view; public; apparent; as overt virtues; an overt essay. But the word is now used chiefly in law. Thus an overt act of treason is distinguished from secret design or intention not carried into effect, and even from words spoken. A market overt, is a place where goods are publicly exposed to sale. A pound over, is one open overhead, as distinguished from a pound covert or close.