deodands
/ˈdiːoʊdændz/
noun
- Plural of deodand; objects that caused a person's death and were forfeited to the crown in historical English law.
- The practice of seizing deodands was abolished in England in the 19th century.
- Deodands were often valued and sold, with the money given to the poor.
- The court records listed several deodands, including a knife and a runaway wagon.