DEODAND

Etymology

Noun

deodand (plural deodands)

(historical, law) An object forfeited to the state (and supposedly to God) because it had caused the death of a person.

(historical, law) A fine equal to the value of this object, paid by the owner of the object.

Anagrams

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Source: Wiktionary

De"o*dand`, n. Etym: [LL. deodandum, fr. L. Deo dandum to be given to God.] (Old Eng. Law)

Definition: A personal chattel which had caused the death of a person, and for that reason was given to God, that is, forfeited to the crown, to be applied to pious uses, and distributed in alms by the high almoner. Thus, if a cart ran over a man and killed him, it was forfeited as a deodand.

Note: Deodands are unknown in American law, and in 1846 were abolished in England.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition