attainder
/əˈteɪndə
/noun historical
The forfeiture of land and civil rights suffered as a consequence of a sentence of death for treason or felony: the attainder of the fourth Duke of Norfolk [mass noun]: Robert’s loyalty to Margaret of Anjou led to attainder and forfeiture...
- Edward IV and Henry VII restored their authority by attainders and forfeitures coupled to the rigorous exploitation of the king's feudal rights.
- They limited punishment to the person charged, and abjured the attainder of the traitor's relatives or heirs.
- Such attacks normally took one of two forms, either that of prosecutions and fines at law for misfeasance, or the more drastic resort of attainder and forfeiture.
Phrases
act (or bill) of attainder
Origin
Late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, variant (used as a noun) of Old French ateindre in the sense 'convict, bring to justice' (see attain).