felo-de-se

[ fel-oh-di-see, -sey ]

noun

, plural fe·lo·nes-de-se [fel, -, uh, -neez-di-, see, -, sey, f, uh, -, loh, -neez-], fe·los-de-se [fel, -ohz-di-, see, -, sey].

1. a person who intentionally takes their own life, or commits an unlawful malicious act resulting in their own death.
2. the act of suicide.

felo de se

/ ˈfiːləʊ dɪ ˈsiː; ˈfɛləʊ /

noun

1. law
   1. suicide
   2. a person who commits suicide

Word History and Origins

Origin of felo-de-se¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Anglo-Latin, equivalent to felō “a felon” + dē “in respect to, of” + sē “oneself”; felon ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of felo-de-se¹

C17: from Anglo-Latin, from felō felon + Latin dē of + sē oneself

Example Sentences

Smith, als Cutler, was found felo de se by ye Coroner’s inquest, and interred in ye cross ways near ye wind mill on ye same day.”

From Project Gutenberg

It is recorded in a Norwich newspaper, of 1728, that the body of a hat-presser, after a verdict of felo de se, was accordingly buried in the highway.

From Project Gutenberg

In the following year, the two members for Tiverton introduced a bill into the House of Commons “to amend the law relating to the interment of any person found felo de se.”

From Project Gutenberg

On the Wednesday following an inquest was held, and the jury returned a verdict of felo de se.

From Project Gutenberg

At last the impropriety of the proceedings was forced upon Parliament, and on the 8th July, 1823, the Royal Assent was given to an Act “to alter and amend the law relating to the interment of the remains of any person found felo de se.”

From Project Gutenberg