contraband of war

American  

noun

International Law.

1. goods that a neutral nation cannot supply to a belligerent nation except at the risk of seizure and confiscation.

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Etymology

Origin of contraband of war

First recorded in 1795–1805

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

contraband of war

Historians have argued that Butler’s so-called contraband of war policy did not concern itself with the Black men’s humanity.

From New York Times ● Nov. 16, 2020

Neutral goods, with the exception of contraband of war, are not liable to capture under the enemy’s flag; 4.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 10 "David, St" to "Demidov" by Various

A more serious difficulty will arise in agreeing upon some criterion to determine when articles of dual utility, for war or peace, may be treated by a belligerent as absolutely contraband of war.

From The Scrap Book, Volume 1, No. 6 August 1906 by Various

General Butler, in command at Fortress Monroe, assuming that they were contraband of war, refused to return them to slavery, and put them to efficient service in the construction of fortifications.

From Vermont A Study of Independence by Rowland E. (Evans) Robinson

General Butler had retained the negroes who came into his camp, calling them "contraband of war."

From The Boys of '61 or, Four Years of Fighting, Personal Observations with the Army and Navy by Charles Carleton Coffin

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