Found 2 items, similar to escheating.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: escheat escheat n 1: a reversion to the state (as the ultimate owner of property) in the absence of legal heirs 2: the property that reverts to the state
English → English (gcide) Definition: Escheating Escheat \Es*cheat"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Esheated; p. pr. & vb. n. Escheating.] (Law) To revert, or become forfeited, to the lord, the crown, or the State, as lands by the failure of persons entitled to hold the same, or by forfeiture. [1913 Webster] Note: In this country it is the general rule that when the title to land fails by defect of heirs or devisees, it necessarily escheats to the State; but forfeiture of estate from crime is hardly known in this country, and corruption of blood is universally abolished. --Kent. Bouvier. [1913 Webster]