escheat /ɪsˈt͡ʃiːt/noun 4verb 2forms 3 noun4 •The return, conversion, or vesting of property of a deceased person or closed business to the government (originally to a feudal lord) where there are no legal heirs or claimants. It is known as bona vacantia in the United Kingdom. •The property so reverted. •That which falls to one; a reversion or return.And by my ruines thinkes to make them great: / To make one great by others losse, is bad excheat — 1590 •(no longer used) Plunder, booty.Approching, with bold words and bitter threat, / Bad that same boaster, as he mote, on high / To leaue to him that Lady for excheat, / Or bide him battell without further treat. — 1590 verb2 •To put (land, property) in escheat; to confiscate.Arms are very rigidly controlled in Scotland by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. […] Under an Act of 1592, Lyon King of Arms can escheat to the Sovereign all goods unlawfully displaying arms. — 1956 •To revert, convert, or vest ownership to the government or lord because its previous owner died without an heir or a business closed and no one claims the assets. formsescheated · escheating · escheats
