Escheat: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Escheat noun. The passing of property to the state, or once to a lord, when its owner dies without heirs.
How to say it
is-CHEET/ɪsˈtʃiːt/
2 syllables, stressed on the second (CHEET). Forms: escheats.
Escheat in a sentence
With no will and no relatives, the cottage passed to the Crown by escheat.
Medieval lords grew rich on escheats as old families died out.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- reversion
- forfeiture
Where escheat comes from
From Old French eschete, from escheoir, to fall to one’s lot.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Medieval lords grew rich on _____ as old families died out.
- escheat
- perpetuity
- subpoena
Show the answer
escheat: Medieval lords grew rich on escheats as old families died out.