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. forfeitable adj. forfeiter n. forfeiture n.
[ ME (= crime) f. OF forfet, forfait past part. of forfaire transgress (f. L foris outside) + faire f. L facere do ]