Part 289

For"feit, a. [F. forfait, p. p. of forfaire. See Forfeit, n.] Lost or alienated for an offense or crime; liable to penal seizure.

Thy wealth being forfeit to the state.

Shak.

To tread the forfeit paradise.

Emerson.

For"feit, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Forfeited; p. pr. & vb. n. Forfeiting.] [OE. forfeten. See Forfeit, n.] To lose, or lose the right to, by some error, fault, offense, or crime; to render one's self by misdeed liable to be deprived of; to alienate the right to possess, by some neglect or crime; as, to forfeit an estate by treason; to forfeit reputation by a breach of promise; -- with to before the one acquiring what is forfeited.

had forfeited their property by their crimes.

Burke.

Undone and forfeited to cares forever!

Shak.

For"feit, v. i. 1. To be guilty of a misdeed; to be criminal; to transgress. [Obs.]

2. To fail to keep an obligation. [Obs.]

I will have the heart of him if he forfeit.

Shak.

For"feit, p. p. or a. In the condition of being forfeited; subject to alienation. Shak.

Once more I will renew His lapsËd powers, though forfeite.

Milton.

For"feit*a*ble (?), a. Liable to be forfeited; subject to forfeiture.

For the future, uses shall be subject to the statutes of mortmain, and forfeitable, like the lands themselves.

Blackstone.

For"feit*er (?), n. One who incurs a penalty of forfeiture.

For"fei*ture (?; 135), n. [F. forfeiture, LL. forisfactura.] 1. The act of forfeiting; the loss of some right, privilege, estate, honor, office, or effects, by an offense, crime, breach of condition, or other act.

Under pain of foreiture of the said goods.

Hakluyt.

2. That which is forfeited; a penalty; a fine or mulct.

What should I gain By the exaction of the forfeiture?

Shak.

Syn. -- Fine; mulct; amercement; penalty.