Deodand

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Deodand \De"o*dand`\, n. [LL. deodandum, fr. L. Deo dandum to be
     given to God.] (Old Eng. Law)
     A personal chattel which had caused the death of a person,
     and for that reason was given to God, that is, forfeited to
     the crown, to be applied to pious uses, and distributed in
     alms by the high almoner. Thus, if a cart ran over a man and


     killed him, it was forfeited as a deodand.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Deodands are unknown in American law, and in 1846 were
           abolished in England.
           [1913 Webster]

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  DEODAND, English law. This word is derived from Deo dandum, to be given to 
  God; and is used to designate the instrument, whether it be an animal or 
  inanimate thing, which has caused the death of a man. 3 Inst. 57; Hawk. bk. 
  1, c. 8. 
       2. The deodand is forfeited to the king, and was formerly applied to 
  pious uses. But the presentment of a deodand by a grand jury, under their 
  general charge from the judge of assize, is void. 1 Burr. Rep. 17.