How Do You Spell DEODAND?

Pronunciation: [diːˈɒdand] (IPA)

Deodand is a rare English word and its spelling is not straightforward. It is pronounced /diːəʊdænd/, with a stressed syllable on "dand". The word is of Latin origin, and it refers to an object or animal that has caused someone's death and is forfeited to the monarch, often to be sold to benefit the victim's family. The word's spelling may be confusing for non-native speakers because of the occurrence of four consecutive vowels, the diphthong "eo", and the silent d at the end.

DEODAND Meaning and Definition

1. Deodand refers to an archaic legal term commonly used in English common law, particularly during the medieval and early modern periods. Its literal meaning is “given to God” in Latin, stemming from the words “deo” (God) and “dandum” (to be given).

   In legal terms, a deodand is an object, typically an inanimate object, that is involved in causing the death of a person. The term has been applied to various items, including weapons, tools, or even animals. The concept of deodand emerged from the belief that an object "took a life" and therefore had to be forfeited to God or the state. It essentially represented a form of punishment for the object itself.

   The legal application of deodand involves the object being forfeited or "given to God." In practice, this usually meant that the object was sold, and the proceeds went to the crown or a form of public charity. The value of the deodand was determined based on its worth or involvement in the fatal incident. Deodands played a significant role in English law until they were abolished in the 19th century.

   While the concept of deodand is now obsolete, it remains an interesting historical notion that sheds light on medieval legal practices and the belief in the involvement of inanimate objects in causing harm.

2. In law, a thing which has caused the death of a person, and for that reason is forfeited to the king, and applied by him to pious uses.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DEODAND

• seodand
• xeodand
• ceodand
• feodand
• reodand
• eeodand
• dwodand
• dsodand
• ddodand
• drodand
• d4odand
• d3odand
• deidand
• dekdand
• deldand
• depdand
• de0dand
• de9dand
• deosand
• deoxand

Etymology of DEODAND

The word "deodand" originates from late Middle English, derived from the Latin phrase "deodandum" which literally means "something to be given to God". The term was used in medieval English law to refer to an object that caused someone's death and was consequently forfeited to the crown. It was believed that the object had become tainted and needed to be given as compensation or a form of punishment. Over time, the word evolved and its meaning expanded to include the concept of an object or animal responsible for causing a fatal accident. Today, the term is rarely used in legal contexts but is still found in historical and legal literature.

Plural form of DEODAND is DEODANDS