ferae naturae

American  

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

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

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

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

In the Ettrick text Douglas says that there are no supplies, merely ferae naturae, but he will wait at Otterburn to give Percy his chance.

From Sir Walter Scott and the Border Minstrelsy by Lang, Andrew

But I am not muzzled yet: they shall find me one of the ferae naturae.

From Anna St. Ives by Holcroft, Thomas