'Deodand' definitions:
Definition of 'Deodand'
From: 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]