n. & v. hist.
n. 1 the reversion of property to the State, or (in feudal law) to a lord, on the owner's dying without legal heirs. 2 property affected by this.
v. 1 tr. hand over (property) as an escheat. 2 tr. confiscate. 3 intr. revert by escheat.
[ ME f. OF eschete, ult. f. L excidere (as EX-(1), cadere fall) ]