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

Adultery also figures as a basis for demotions, as a ground for tort liability in cases alleging criminal conversation and alienation of affection, and as a factor in allocating property and custody in divorce cases.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2016

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

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2016

Honest indifference has no intrigues, no elopements, no disgraceful trials for criminal conversation, no divorces.

From The Black Baronet; or, The Chronicles Of Ballytrain The Works of William Carleton, Volume One by Carleton, William

There was no room for equivocation; he had been caught in the very act of criminal conversation with the hare-pie.

From The House by the Church-Yard by Le Fanu, Joseph Sheridan

In Ireland the action for criminal conversation is still retained.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg