felo-de-se

American  

[fel-oh-di-see, -sey] / ˈfɛl oʊ dɪˈsi, -ˈseɪ /

noun

plural

felones-de-se, felos-de-se

1. a person who intentionally takes their own life, or commits an unlawful malicious act resulting in their own death.

2. the act of suicide.

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felo de se British  

/ ˈfiːləʊ dɪ ˈsiː, ˈfɛləʊ /

noun

1. law

   1. suicide

   2. a person who commits suicide

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Etymology

Origin of felo-de-se

First recorded in 1650–60; from Anglo-Latin, equivalent to felō “a felon” + dē “in respect to, of” + sē “oneself”; felon ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

He was cut down before life was extinct, and on recovery was prosecuted for felo-de-se.

From Reminiscences of a South African Pioneer by Scully, W. C. (William Charles)

Further, a jury can seldom be induced to bring in a verdict of felo-de-se.

From Regeneration by Haggard, Henry Rider

One of the jurymen returning home, was asked what verdict they brought in, and whether they found it "felo-de-se"?

From Ever Heard This? Over Three Hundred Good Stories by Chambers, F. W.

It would be reckoned a gross breach of good manners to scandalize the refined and liberal administration of the Kursaal by undisguised felo-de-se.

From The Gaming Table: Its Votaries and Victims Volume I (of II) by Steinmetz, Andrew

A full account of Wakley’s parliamentary ratting, or political felo-de-se; beautifully authenticated by his late Finsbury electors—with sundry cuts by his former friends.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, November 13, 1841 by Various