Early 17th century; earliest use found in John Cowell (1554–1611), civil lawyer. From Law French oulter-le-mer, also ouster-le-mer, ouster le mere from Anglo-Norman oulter, oustre, variants of outre beyond + le, masculine definite article + mer.
Definition of oulter-le-mer in US English:
oulter-le-mer
noun
Law historical
The essoin or excuse of being beyond the sea.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in John Cowell (1554–1611), civil lawyer. From Law French oulter-le-mer, also ouster-le-mer, ouster le mere from Anglo-Norman oulter, oustre, variants of outre beyond + le, masculine definite article + mer.