Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Deodand \De"o*dand`\, n. [LL. deodandum, fr. L. Deo dandum to be
   given to God.] (Old Eng. Law)
   A personal chattel which had caused the death of a person,
   and for that reason was given to God, that is, forfeited to
   the crown, to be applied to pious uses, and distributed in
   alms by the high almoner. Thus, if a cart ran over a man and
   killed him, it was forfeited as a deodand.

   Note: Deodands are unknown in American law, and in 1846 were
         abolished in England.