Definition of Autrefois

Jj. Fr. At another time; formerly; before; heretofore.
—Autrefois acquit. In criminal law. Formerly acquitted. The name of a plea in bar to a criminal action, stating that the defendant has been once already indicted and tried for the same alleged offense and has been acquitted. Simco v. State, 9 Tex. App. 348; U. S. v. Gibert, 25 Fed. Cas. 1,294.
—Autrefois attaint. In criminal law. Formerly attainted. A plea that the defendant has already been attainted for one felony, and therefore cannot be criminally prosecuted for another. 4 Bl. Comm. 336.
—Autrefois convict. Formerly convicted. In criminal law. A plea by a criminal in bar to an indictment that he has been formerly convicted of the same identical crime. 4 Bl. Comm. 336 ; 4 Steph. Comm. 404; Simco v. State, 9 Ter. App. 348; U. S v. Olsen (D. Ct) 57 Fed. 582; Shepherd v. People, 25 N. Y. 420.