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deodand

[ dee-uh-dand ]

noun

, English Law.
  1. (before 1846) an animal or article that, having been the immediate cause of the death of a human being, was forfeited to the crown to be applied to pious uses.


deodand

/ ˈdiːəʊˌdænd /

noun

  1. English law (formerly) a thing that had caused a person's death and was forfeited to the crown for a charitable purpose: abolished 1862
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of deodand1

1520–30; < Medieval Latin deōdandum (a thing) to be given to God < Latin deō to God (dative singular of deus ) + dandum to be given (neuter gerund of dare to give)
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Word History and Origins

Origin of deodand1

C16: from Anglo-French deodande, from Medieval Latin deōdandum, from Latin Deō dandum (something) to be given to God, from deus god + dare to give
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Example Sentences

Probably because of the evident recklessness displayed by the coachman, a deodand of £1,400 was laid on the coach.

The verdict returned was "Accidental Death," with a deodand of five pounds upon the bull.

The jury imposed a deodand of £5 on the coach and £10 on the horses.

The bound volume was forfeited as a deodand, but not claimed.

The old law of Deodand was an expression of this feeling of resentment against inanimate objects even.

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