ferae naturae
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of ferae naturae
1655–65; < Latin: literally, of a wild nature
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Orchids must be classed with ferae naturae in which a landowner has no property.
From The Woodlands Orchids by Boyle, Frederick
"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
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)
Lord Salisbury replied that fur seals were wild animals, ferae naturae, and not the property of any individual until captured.
From The United States Since the Civil War by Lingley, Charles Ramsdell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
