Forfeit

For′feit (fôr′fĭt), n. [OE. forfet crime, penalty, F. forfait crime (LL. forefactum, forifactum), prop. p. p. of forfaire to forfeit, transgress, fr. LL. forifacere, prop., to act beyond; L. foris out of doors, abroad, beyond + facere to do. See Foreign, and Fact.] 1. Injury; wrong; mischief. [Obs. & R.]

To seek arms upon people and country that never did us any forfeit. Ld. Berners.

2. A thing forfeit or forfeited; what is or may be taken from one in requital of a misdeed committed; that which is lost, or the right to which is alienated, by a crime, offense, neglect of duty, or breach of contract; hence, a fine; a mulct; a penalty; as, he who murders pays the forfeit of his life.

Thy slanders I forgive; and therewithal Remit thy other forfeits. Shak.

3. Something deposited and redeemable by a sportive fine; — whence the game of forfeits.

Country dances and forfeits shortened the rest of the day. Goldsmith.

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.

[They] 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 lapsèd powers, though forfeite. Milton.