attainder The extinction of civil rights and capacities which formerly took place when judgment of death or outlawry was recorded against a person who had committed treason or felony. It involved the forfeiture and escheat of the land and goods belonging to the criminal, and corruption of his blood, i.e. he became incapable of holding or inheriting land, or of transmitting a title by descent. It also produced by Acts of Parliament known as Bills of Attainder. Abolished by the Forfeiture Act 1870.