from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Escheat \Es*cheat"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Esheated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Escheating}.] (Law)
To revert, or become forfeited, to the lord, the crown, or
the State, as lands by the failure of persons entitled to
hold the same, or by forfeiture.
[1913 Webster]
Note: In this country it is the general rule that when the
title to land fails by defect of heirs or devisees, it
necessarily escheats to the State; but forfeiture of
estate from crime is hardly known in this country, and
corruption of blood is universally abolished. --Kent.
Bouvier.
[1913 Webster]