A general lien is the right which arises by custom in certain trades or professions, or by contract, to retain goods not only until any sum due in respect of them is paid; but also in respect of any sum which may be owing by the owner of the goods to the person in possession of them.
Examples of general liens are
(A). solicitor's lien over all the papers of his client except his will,
(B). factor's lien on the goods of his principal.