ferae naturae

adjective

fe·​rae na·​tu·​rae ˈfer-ˌī-nə-ˈtu̇r-ˌī 

: wild by nature and not usually tamed

Examples of ferae naturae in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our modern understanding of animals’ legal status derives from 19th-century American common law cases, which adopted the classical Roman legal approach to wild animals, or ferae naturae. —Angela Fernandez, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Latin, of a wild nature

First Known Use

circa 1661, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

ferae naturae

adjective

fe·​rae na·​tu·​rae ˈfir-ē-nə-ˈchu̇r-ē, -ˈtu̇r-, -ˈtyu̇r-; ˈfer-ˌī-nä-ˈtü-ˌrī 

: wild by nature : not usually tamed

Note: Animals like wild ducks or bees are considered ferae naturae. At common law they cannot be claimed as one's property except under certain circumstances, as when captured.

Etymology

New Latin, literally, of a wild nature