deodand

noun

de·​o·​dand

ˈdēəˌdand

plural -s

: a thing that by English law before 1846 was forfeited to the crown and thence to pious uses because it had been the immediate cause of the death of a person

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French deodande, from Medieval Latin deodandum, from Latin Deo dandum that must be given to God

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now