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.
Etymology: ME f. OF eschete, ult. f. L excidere (as EX-(1), cadere fall)