ferae naturae

American  

[fee-ree nuh-toor-ee, -tyoor-ee] / ˈfi ri nəˈtʊər i, -ˈtyʊər i /

adjective

Law.

1. (of animals) wild or undomesticated (distinguished from domitae naturae).

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Etymology

Origin of ferae naturae

1655–65; < Latin: literally, of a wild nature

Example Sentences

At one end of it, the northern, a patch of the turf was gone—removed by some boy or other creature ferae naturae.

From Ghost Stories of an Antiquary by James, M. R. (Montague Rhodes)

It may be indubitable that orchids are ferae naturae.

From The Woodlands Orchids by Boyle, Frederick

We have adopted the Roman law as to animals ferae naturae, but the general tendency of our law is to favor appropriation.

From The Common Law by Holmes, Oliver Wendell

Coming out of an uncertain past, based on some dark legend of heart-break or blood-shed, they bear no author's name, but are ferae naturae and have the flavor of wild game.

From A History of English Romanticism in the Eighteenth Century by Beers, Henry A. (Henry Augustin)

"When Diana takes the field the chase is not wholly confined to objects ferae naturae," said Guy, darting a significant glance at his companion.

From Condensed Novels by Harte, Bret