deodand

Deodand \De"o*dand`\, n. [LL. deodandum, fr. L. Deo dandum to be
   given to God.] (Old Eng. Law)
   A personal chattel which had caused the death of a person,
   and for that reason was given to God, that is, forfeited to
   the crown, to be applied to pious uses, and distributed in
   alms by the high almoner. Thus, if a cart ran over a man and
   killed him, it was forfeited as a deodand.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: Deodands are unknown in American law, and in 1846 were
         abolished in England.
         [1913 Webster]
    

DEODAND, English law. This word is derived from Deo dandum, to be given to 
God; and is used to designate the instrument, whether it be an animal or 
inanimate thing, which has caused the death of a man. 3 Inst. 57; Hawk. bk. 
1, c. 8. 
     2. The deodand is forfeited to the king, and was formerly applied to 
pious uses. But the presentment of a deodand by a grand jury, under their 
general charge from the judge of assize, is void. 1 Burr. Rep. 17.