\Su`per*fi"cies\, n. [L., fr. super above, over +
facies make, figure, shape. See {Surface}.]
1. The surface; the exterior part, superficial area, or face
   of a thing.

2. (Civil Law)
   (a) Everything on the surface of a piece of ground, or of
       a building, so closely connected by art or nature as
       to constitute a part of it, as houses, or other
       superstructures, fences, trees, vines, etc.
   (b) A real right consisting of a grant by a landed
       proprietor of a piece of ground, bearing a strong
       resemblance to the long building leases granted by
       landholders in England, in consideration of a rent,
       and under reservation of the ownership of the soil.
       --Bouvier. Wharton.