*deodand*

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 ]

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