Deodand
A Dictionary of Law · Henry Campbell Black · 1891
A Dictionary of Law
(L. Lat. Deo dandum, a thing to be given to God.} In English law. Any personal chattel which was the immediate occasion of the death of any reasonable erenture,and which was forfeited tothe crown to be applied to pious uses, and distributed inalms by the high almoner. 1 Hale, P. C. 419; Fleta, lib. 1, c. 25; 1 Bl. Comm. 800; 2 Steph. Comm. 35.