Treasure-trove

1 definition found

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

  Treasure-trove \Treas"ure-trove`\, n. [Treasure + OF. trov['e],
     F. trouv['e], p. p. of OF. trover to find, F. trouver. See
     {Trover}.] (Common Law)
     Any money, bullion, or the like, found in the earth, or
     otherwise hidden, the owner of which is not known. In England
     such treasure belongs to the crown; whereas similar treasure


     found in the sea, or upon the surface of the land, belongs to
     the finder if no owner appears.
     [1913 Webster]