What does "attainder" mean?

The state a prisoner entered once a death sentence (usually for treason) had been issued; the state of being stripped of all civil rights.

Attainder

Common synonyms include: civil death, civil disabilities, condemnation, confiscation, disfranchisement, disgrace.

noun

noun ·3 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
The state a prisoner entered once a death sentence (usually for treason) had been issued; the state of being stripped of all civil rights. rare
"Grandpa Piper led thereto by the arm […] and himself thrust into a chair, to support the character of dummy to Henry's prearranged attainder."
2
cancellation of civil rights wordnet
3
A stain; a state of dishonour or condemnation. archaic
"He lived from all attainder of suspects."

"Grandpa Piper led thereto by the arm […] and himself thrust into a chair, to support the character of dummy to Henry's prearranged attainder."

From Anglo-Norman ataindre ("to reach"), with infinitives used as nouns being frequent in Law French. Doublet of attain and attinge.