Stranger in blood
In the law of United States and the Commonwealth, a stranger in blood is someone mentioned in a will (such as a beneficiary) who is not related by blood to the testator.[1] It is therefore the opposite of next of kin.
Notable instances
Suspected serial killer John Bodkin Adams was identified as a 'stranger in blood' in the wills of 132 of his patients.[1]
Similar terms in other languages
The Hebrew word zar is used in the Bible to describe a non-member of a tribe (see: Book of Numbers 16:40 and 1:51, or Deuteronomy 25:5).[2]
Heraldry
In heraldry, being a stranger in blood - through adoption for example - is indicated via a 'canton voided'.[3]
References
- ^ a b Cullen, Pamela V., "A Stranger in Blood: The Case Files on Dr John Bodkin Adams", London, Elliott & Thompson, 2006, ISBN 1-904027-19-9
- ^ NETBible: Stranger And Sojourner (In The Old Testament)
- ^ http://www.dun.org.uk/STIRLING/armsdata.html