felo-de-se

What is the meaning of the Latin phrase "felo-de-se"?

June 2007 2007

On Thursday there was a snowstorm, and he had no boots at all on; and after that I did not see him, and I wondered if he had committed suicide -- in which case I thought the jury might almost have brought in a verdict of 'justifiable _felo-de-se_.'

Ideala Sarah Grand

It appeared a case of very singular _felo-de-se_ -- for they had so timed the 'rash act,' as to excite strong suspicions in the public mind that his Majesty had committed murder.

The International Monthly, Volume 2, No. 4, March, 1851 Various

Manslaughter, arson, and the more practical jokes in the Calendar, were already familiar to the stage; it was a refinement of the Haymarket authors to introduce those livelier sallies of wit -- crim.con. and felo-de-se.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, October 30, 1841 Various

A full account of Wakley's parliamentary ratting, or political felo-de-se; beautifully authenticated by his late Finsbury electors -- with sundry cuts by his former friends.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, November 13, 1841 Various

The corpse of every one guilty of _felo-de-se_ should be buried either in a remote spot not customarily used as a place of burial, or near to a cross road; but if the relatives of any such unhappy person insist on having the remains interred in the ordinary place of sepulchre, they are expected to carry the corpse over the burying-ground wall, and inter it after sunset.

The Mysteries of All Nations Rise and Progress of Superstition, Laws Against and Trials of Witches, Ancient and Modern Delusions Together With Strange Customs, Fables, and Tales James Grant

The doctrine of attainder has, however, ceased to be of much practical importance since 33 and 34 Vict., c. 23, wherein it was provided that henceforth no confession, verdict, inquest, conviction, or judgment of or for any treason or felony, or felo-de-se shall cause any attainder or corruption of blood or any forfeiture or escheat.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2: Assizes-Browne 1840-1916 1913

He was cut down before life was extinct, and on recovery was prosecuted for felo-de-se.

Reminiscences of a South African Pioneer 1899

The coroner's verdict being _felo-de-se_, the body was not taken into the chapel, but a clergyman met it at the gate and led the way to the grave.

The Christian A Story Hall Caine 1892

Further, a jury can seldom be induced to bring in a verdict of _felo-de-se.

Regeneration Henry Rider Haggard 1890