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

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)

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg