ferae naturae
adjective
fe·rae na·tu·rae
ˈfer-ˌī-nə-ˈtu̇r-ˌī 
: wild by nature and not usually tamed
Examples of ferae naturae in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Our modern understanding of animals’ legal status derives from 19th-century American common law cases, which adopted the classical Roman legal approach to wild animals, or ferae naturae.
—
Angela Fernandez, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Angela Fernandez, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Ferae naturae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ferae%20naturae. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
ferae naturae
adjective
fe·rae na·tu·rae
ˈfir-ē-nə-ˈchu̇r-ē, -ˈtu̇r-, -ˈtyu̇r-; ˈfer-ˌī-nä-ˈtü-ˌrī
: wild by nature : not usually tamed
Note: Animals like wild ducks or bees are considered ferae naturae. At common law they cannot be claimed as one's property except under certain circumstances, as when captured.
Etymology
New Latin, literally, of a wild nature
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share