attainder

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the legal forfeiture of rights and property following a sentence of death or outlawry

   The act of attainder stripped the rebel lord of his lands and title.

From Anglo-Norman atteindre, the noun use of the Old French infinitive ('to convict, attain'), from Vulgar Latin attangere, from Latin attingere ('to touch, reach'), from ad- ('to') + tangere ('to touch'); the spelling and sense were influenced by association with taint.

Topics