attainder

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman ataindre ("to reach"), with infinitives used as nouns being frequent in Law French. Doublet of attain and attinge.

Pronunciation

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Noun

attainder (plural attainders)

  1. (law, rare) The state a prisoner enters once a death sentence (usually for treason) had been issued; the state of being stripped of all civil rights.
    • 1930, Norman Lindsay, Redheap, Sydney, N.S.W.: Ure Smith, published 1965, →OCLC, page 139:
      Grandpa Piper led thereto by the arm [] and himself thrust into a chair, to support the character of dummy to Henry's prearranged attainder.
  2. (archaic) A stain; a state of dishonour or condemnation.

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