es|cheat

es|cheat «ehs CHEET», noun, verb. Law.

–n.

1. a reverting of the ownership of property to the state or to the lord of the manor when there are no legal heirs: »

Abandoned property laws…are an outgrowth of the ancient law of escheat, which permits states to seize and confiscate unclaimed property (New York Times).

2. property whose ownership has so reverted.

–v.i.

to revert to the state or the lord of the manor: »

The lands must escheat unless the present owner made a will (James Fenimore Cooper).

–v.t.

to transfer (ownership of property) to the state; confiscate.

╂[< Old French eschete, (originally) past participle of escheoir to fall to one's share, ultimately < ex- from + cadēre fall]

–es|cheat´a|ble, adjective.