forfeit

views updated May 29 2018

for·feit / ˈfôrfit/ • v. (-feit·ed, -feit·ing) [tr.] lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing: those unable to meet their taxes were liable to forfeit their property. ∎  lose or give up (something) as a necessary consequence of something else: she didn't mind forfeiting an extra hour in bed to get up and clean the stables.• n. a fine or penalty for wrongdoing or for a breach of the rules in a club or game. ∎  Law an item of property or a right or privilege lost as a legal penalty. ∎  (forfeits) a game in which trivial penalties are exacted. ∎  the action of forfeiting something.• adj. lost or surrendered as a penalty for wrongdoing or neglect: the lands which he had acquired were automatically forfeit.DERIVATIVES: for·feit·a·ble adj.for·feit·er / ˈfôrfitər/ n.for·fei·ture / ˈfôrfəchər/ n.

Forfeit

views updated Jun 27 2018

FORFEIT

To lose to another person or to the state some privilege, right, or property due to the commission of an error, an offense, or a crime, a breach of contract, or a neglect of duty; to subject property to confiscation; or to become liable for the payment of a penalty, as the result of a particular act. To lose a franchise, estate, or other property, as provided by the applicable law, due tonegligence, misfeasance, or omission.

This nonconsensual deprivation transfers the property to another person or restores it to the original grantor.

forfeit

views updated May 29 2018

forfeit †misdeed, misdemeanour XIII; fine, penalty XV; trivial fine for breach of rule XVII. ME. forfet — OF. forfet, (also mod.) -fait crime, f. for(s)faire commit crime (medL. forisfacere), f. for(s)- beyond, outside, sc. what is right (:- L. forīs outside) + faire do.
Hence vb. †sin, transgress XIV; lose the right to XV. forfeiture †crime, sin; loss or liability to deprivation. XIV.