felo-de-se

[fel-oh-di-see, -sey]

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.

felo de se

/ ˈfiːləʊ dɪ ˈsiː, ˈfɛləʊ /

noun

1. law

   1. suicide

   2. a person who commits suicide

Word History and Origins

Origin of felo-de-se¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of felo-de-se¹

C17: from Anglo-Latin, from felō felon + Latin dē of + sē oneself

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

The fact is, nations, when they die, die of felo-de-se. 

From Project Gutenberg

It appeared a case of very singular felo-de-se—for they had so timed the 'rash act,' as to excite strong suspicions in the public mind that his Majesty had committed murder.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg