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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Nisi \Ni"si\, conj. [L.]
Unless; if not; -- used mostly in law.
[1913 Webster]

Note: In legal proceedings, this word is used to indicate
that any order, etc., shall take effect at a given
time, unless before that time the order, etc., in
modified, or something else is done to prevent its
taking effect. Continuance nisi is a conditional
continuance of the case till the next term of the
court, unless otherwise disposed of in the mean time.
[1913 Webster]

{Nisi prius} (Law), unless before; -- a phrase applied to
terms of court, held generally by a single judge, with a
jury, for the trial of civil causes. The term originated
in a legal fiction. An issue of fact being made up, it is,
according to the English practice, appointed by the entry
on the record, or written proceedings, to be tried by a
jury from the county of which the proceedings are dated,
at Westminster, unless before the day appointed (nisi
prius) the judges shall have come to the county in
question (which they always do) and there try the cause.
See {In banc}, under {Banc}.
[1913 Webster]