n., adj., & v.
--n.
1. a penalty for a breach of contract or neglect; a fine.
2 a a trivial fine for a breach of rules in clubs etc. or in games. b (in pl.) a game in which forfeits are exacted.
3 something surrendered as a penalty.
4 the process of forfeiting.
5 Law property or a right or privilege lost as a legal penalty.
--adj. lost or surrendered as a penalty.
--v.tr. (forfeited, forfeiting) lose the right to, be deprived of, or have to pay as a penalty.
Derivatives:
forfeitable adj. forfeiter n. forfeiture n.
Etymology: ME ( crime) f. OF forfet, forfait past part. of forfaire transgress (f. L foris outside) + faire f. L facere do