Dures.

Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 4: Dionysius to Friction, p. 130

Dures. In English law, is the plea of a man who has obliged himself to pay or perform, or who has committed a misdemeanour, under compulsion by restraint of liberty, or threat of loss of life and limb. In such cases he may plead to be held free of the consequences.

Source scan(s): p. 0139