criminal conversation

American  

noun

Civil Law.

1. adultery. crim. con.

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criminal conversation British  

noun

1. (formerly) a common law action brought by a husband by which he claimed damages against an adulterer

2. another term for adultery

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Etymology

Origin of criminal conversation

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Johns sued under what are called the claims of alienation of affection and of criminal conversation, which is also known as adultery.

From Washington Times

Johns is suing under what are called the claims of alienation of affection and of criminal conversation, which is also known as adultery.

From Washington Times

North Carolina is one of about a half-dozen states that allow lawsuits accusing a cheating spouse’s lover of alienation of affection and criminal conversation.

From Seattle Times

North Carolina is one of only about a half-dozen states that still allow lawsuits accusing a cheating spouse’s lover of alienation of affection and criminal conversation.

From Washington Times

Nor should courts tolerate speculative and vexatious actions for criminal conversation and alienation of affection.

From Salon