Deodand
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
English law
This word is derived from Deo dandum, to be given to God; and is meant to designate any unhappy instrument, whether it be an animal or inanimate thing which has caused the death of a man or mischance without the will or fault of himself or of any other man.
3 Inst. 57; Hawk. bk. 1, c. 8.
The deodand is forfeited to ‘the king and was formerly applied to pious uses. DEPARTMENT OF THE