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attainder
noun
Examples of attainder in a Sentence
Word History
Middle English attaynder, from Anglo-French ateindre conviction, from infinitive of ateindre
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing attainder
Dictionary Entries Near attainder
Cite this Entry
“Attainder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attainder. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
attainder
nounLegal Definition
attainder
nounNote: In English law up to the nineteenth century, attainder was the harsh consequence of conviction for treason or a felony. It resulted in the forfeiture of the convicted person's property. It also involved corruption of blood, which barred the person from inheriting, retaining, or passing title, rank, or property. A person outlawed lost the right to seek protection under the law. Article III, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution prohibits corruption of blood or forfeiture upon a conviction for treason “except during the life of the person attainted,” and Article I, Section 9 prohibits bills of attainder. Attainder was abolished in England in 1870.
Anglo-French atteinder, from ateindre to convict, sentence, literally, to reach, attain, ultimately from Latin attingere to reach, from ad to + tangere to touch
More from Merriam-Webster on attainder
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about attainder
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