I found this in an old word site called Weird Words, last update 2001:
deodand is an item of property that has been directly instrumental in the death of a person. It is therefore forfeited to the king or state, and then used in some pious purpose

That's a very specific definition! I recall reading the word somewhere but had no recollection of its meaning. Thanks for that, squire!

How would a deodand be involved in someone's death? Are we speaking of items, say, such as a carriage that went out of control and the owner died in the crash? That sort of thing?

or taking a page from clue, the candle stick, or the poker, or other objects...

Ha!

Well, this word's a keeper!

Mmm. Not sure that I would use it that often. Good seven letter Scrabble word.