per pais
/pəː ˈpeɪ/ /pəː ˈpeɪz/Law. Now historical
adverb
Especially with reference to a criminal trial: before or by one's fellow countrymen, especially as represented by a jury. Chiefly in trial per pais. Compare country and the note there.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in John Selden (1584–1654), lawyer and historical and linguistic scholar. From Anglo-Norman par pais before witnesses, before a jury from par, per through, by + pais jury.