ferae naturae

American  

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

adjective

Law.

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

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Etymology

Origin of ferae naturae

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

Example Sentences

The most destructive of the ferae naturae, as regards human life, are, however, the snakes.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 7 "Arundel, Thomas" to "Athens" by Various

"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

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

He didn’t mind any amount of chaff, and devoted himself to the pursuit of ferae naturae with a perseverance which was literally as laid down by the copy-books—its own reward.

From The Fire Trumpet A Romance of the Cape Frontier by Mitford, Bertram