Attainder
Alternative forms
- attaindre obsolete, rare
Origin
From Anglo-Norman ataindre, with infinitive used as noun frequent in Law French.
Full definition of attainder
Noun
attainder
(plural attainders)- (legal, 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.
- (obsolete) A stain; a state of dishonour or condemnation.
- 1593, William Shakespeare, , III. v. 32:He lived from all attainder of suspects.