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

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)

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

Orchids must be classed with ferae naturae in which a landowner has no property.

From The Woodlands Orchids by Boyle, Frederick

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

For animals upon which the law sets no value, as a dog or cat, and animals ferae naturae, as a bear or wolf, cannot be considered as estrays.

From Commentaries on the Laws of England Book the First by Blackstone, William, Sir