Escheat
Glossary of Technical Terms, Phrases, and Maxims of the Common Law · Frederic Jesup Stimson · 1881
Glossary of Technical Terms, Phrases, and Maxims of the Common Law
1.
The falling back of lai(d into the hands of the lord on failure of the blood of the tenant; which may be propter defectum sanguinis (for failure of blood, as if the tenant died without heirs) or propter delictum tenentis (for fault of the tenant) if he be attainted. 2. The lands so escheating. 3. Things falling, falling to the ground. Escheat was a consequence of tenure, and happened on account of the failure of the tenant to perform services to his lord, who might or might not be the King, thus differing from Forfeiture.