ferae naturae
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of ferae naturae
1655–65; < Latin: literally, of a wild nature
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Orchids must be classed with ferae naturae in which a landowner has no property.
From The Woodlands Orchids by Frederick Boyle
For animals upon which the law sets no value, as a dog or cat, and animals ferae naturae, as a bear or wolf, cannot be considered as estrays.
From Commentaries on the Laws of England Book the First by Sir William Blackstone
In the Ettrick text Douglas says that there are no supplies, merely ferae naturae, but he will wait at Otterburn to give Percy his chance.
From Sir Walter Scott and the Border Minstrelsy by Andrew Lang
At one end of it, the northern, a patch of the turf was gone—removed by some boy or other creature ferae naturae.
From Ghost Stories of an Antiquary by M. R. (Montague Rhodes) James
"When Diana takes the field the chase is not wholly confined to objects ferae naturae," said Guy, darting a significant glance at his companion.
From Condensed Novels by Bret Harte
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
