attainder

 
Pronunciation: /əˈteɪndə/

noun

historical
  • the forfeiture of land and civil rights suffered as a consequence of a sentence of death for treason or felony: the attainder of the fourth Duke of Norfolk [mass noun]: Robert’s loyalty to Margaret of Anjou led to attainder and forfeiture

Phrases

act (or bill) of attainder

an item of legislation inflicting attainder without judicial process.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, variant (used as a noun) of Old French ateindre in the sense 'convict, bring to justice' (see attain)