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deodand
[ dee-uh-dand ]
noun
, English Law.
- (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
- English law (formerly) a thing that had caused a person's death and was forfeited to the crown for a charitable purpose: abolished 1862
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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.
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
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