Deodand

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

(ˈdiː.oʊ.dænd)

Definitions

• A thing forfeited or given to the crown, historically in English law, due to its involvement in causing a person's death.
• An object deemed to be guilty of causing accidental death and, thus, legally confiscated.

Usage Examples

• "Under medieval law, the cart that crushed the farmer was declared a deodand and given to the king."
• "The judge ruled that the horse which caused the fatal accident was a deodand and should be sold for charity."
• "Deodands were an early form of liability law, holding objects responsible for human deaths."

Etymology

From Middle English deodande, derived from Anglo-Norman, from Latin Deo dandum meaning "to be given to God."

Synonyms

• Forfeiture
• Confiscation
• Escheat (in some legal contexts)

Antonyms

• Property retention
• Restitution

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈdiː.oʊ.dænd/
• American English: /ˈdi.oʊ.dænd/

Historical Usage

The concept of deodands was rooted in medieval English law and persisted until its abolition in 1846. The revenue from a deodand was often given to the church or used for charitable causes.

Cultural Nuances

The idea of deodands reflects a historical belief in the moral responsibility of objects, a notion that faded with modern legal principles emphasizing personal liability.

More Information

While deodands no longer exist in law, their influence can be seen in modern liability laws and the concept of holding property owners accountable for harm caused by their possessions.