Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
deodand
noun
/ˈdēəˌdand/
Definition
A deodand is an object which has been involved in a person’s death and is therefore forfeited to the Crown or the state.
Examples
- The runaway horse that caused the accident was declared a deodand.
- If a vehicle causes a fatality, it may be considered a deodand.
- Deodands were historically more common in cases involving animals.
Meaning
The term refers to a thing that causes the death of a human, which is held liable for that death and forfeited for the benefit of the state.
Synonyms
- Forfeiture
- Liable object
