quitclaim

[kwit-kleym]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR quitclaim ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Law.

a transfer of all one's interest, as in a parcel of real estate, especially without a warranty of title.

verb (used with object)

to quit or give up claim to (a possession, right, etc.).

Origin of quitclaim

1275–1325; Middle English quitclayme < Anglo-French quiteclame, derivative of quiteclamer to declare quit. See quit¹ (adj.), claim

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for quitclaim

abandonment, relinquishment, self-denial, abstention, denial, repeal, resignation, remission, veto, sacrifice, refusal, abjuration, renunciation, rebuff, surrender, yielding, repudiation, abnegation, cancellation, waiver

Examples from the Web for quitclaim

Historical Examples of quitclaim

Mrs. Wittleworth signed the quitclaim deed, and took the check.
Make or Break
Oliver Optic
"I'll sign a quitclaim in her favor, if that is what you mean," I said.
The Master of Appleby
Francis Lynde
In any case, Ann Maffitt and the three Maffitt children did not sign a quitclaim to the property until 1835.
Salona, Fairfax County, Virginia
Ellen Anderson
In March, 1902, Silcott conveyed his interest in the land to Ireland by a deed of quitclaim.
Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 1 (of 2)
William Denison Lyman
They were married following their arrival here and took a quitclaim on a homestead which in time became their property.
Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 1 (of 2)
William Denison Lyman

British Dictionary definitions for quitclaim

quitclaim

noun

a formal renunciation of any claim against a person or of a right to land

verb

(tr)

to renounce (a claim) formally
to declare (a person) free from liability

Word Origin for quitclaim

C14: from Anglo-French quiteclame, from quite quit + clamer to declare (from Latin clamāre to shout)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for quitclaim

"a relinquishing of a legal right or claim," c.1300, from Anglo-French quiteclame; see quit (v.) + claim (n.). Cf. Old French clamer quitte "to give up (a right)."